-Staff Writer /27, Thu Nov 2025
The Northern Cape police have kicked off the annual #16DaysOfActivism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, warning that gender-based violence continues to plague several communities across the province.
The Provincial Police Commissioner General Koliswa Otola, officially launched the campaign on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, during a community engagement event held at the Cassel Community Hall in Cassel Village near Kuruman.
The launch, attended by community members, government departments, NGOs, religious organisations and the local municipality, forms part of the United Nations-mandated initiative that runs from 25 November to 10 December annually.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the devastating effects of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) on women, children, and vulnerable groups.
This year’s theme, “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls, working together to end Gender-based Violence and Femicide,” draws inspiration from the Positive Masculinity Dialogue recently tabled during ministerial discussions at the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
Speakers at the event delivered a unified message condemning all forms of abuse, including violence against women, children, the elderly, people living with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In her keynote address, Lt Gen Otola reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to preventing, combating and thoroughly investigating crimes targeting vulnerable people. She highlighted ongoing efforts within the police service to improve the handling of GBVF cases, strengthen investigative capacity and ensure swift justice for victims.
Lt Gen Otola also noted that previous police records show a significant number of GBV cases reported across several areas in the Northern Cape, underscoring the urgency of intensifying community-centred interventions. “These cases are a reminder that we must work harder, together, if we are to reduce violence and protect every vulnerable person in our province,” she said.
The event was well received by residents of Cassel and neighbouring villages, who expressed appreciation for the visibility of police leadership and the collaborative approach to ending GBVF.
News Junction (Gold Standard)