DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE LEADS MEN IN SIGNING ANTI-GBV PLEDGE AT BERLIN NOVEMBER

Precious Mupenzi

• Deputy President Paul Mashatile led a significant anti-gender-based violence (GBV) initiative at the Berlin November Horse Racing function in the Eastern Cape, where he joined men from various backgrounds to sign a pledge committing to end GBV in South Africa.
• The Department of Social Development (DSD) played an active role in the function, promoting awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse and advocating for men to lead the fight against GBV in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national call.
• The DSD’s commitment to inclusivity was highlighted through the availability of both digital and physical versions of the pledge, ensuring broad community engagement and reinforcing the message that combating GBV requires the collective effort of all South Africans.

Thousands gathered at the vibrant Berlin November Horse Racing function in the Eastern Cape, a spectacle that combines cultural celebration with social responsibility. This year, the highlight was a powerful call to action against gender-based violence (GBV), led by Deputy President Hon. Paul Mashatile. In a remarkable moment, the Deputy President joined men from diverse backgrounds to sign a pledge, demonstrating solidarity and commitment to ending GBV in South Africa. The function not only celebrated tradition but also emphasised the urgent need to address societal issues, with the Department of Social Development (DSD) playing a pivotal role in driving these conversations.

This year, the DSD actively participated in the function as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign. Setting up its marquee in the Free Alcohol Village, the DSD showcased its programmes, raised awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and encouraged men to sign a pledge in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for men to lead the fight against GBV.

Deputy President Mashatile took the lead by signing the pledge, inspiring the men in attendance to follow his example. His participation underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing GBV and reinforced the government’s commitment to fostering a safer, more equitable society.

Welcoming the Deputy President to the DSD’s Free Alcohol Village, Ms. Lumka Oliphant, Acting Deputy Director-General: Corporate Support Services, highlighted the department’s commitment to inclusivity in its advocacy efforts. “While there is a digital version of the pledge, we have expanded our reach by printing physical copies to maximise accessibility,” she noted. “This ensures that all members of the community, including the diverse beneficiaries we serve, have the opportunity to engage with and commit to the pledge, reinforcing the message that the fight against GBV requires everyone’s involvement.”

She further added that the DSD is aware of the diverse needs of its clients. “To ensure the pledge is accessible to everyone, we have printed it, recognising the vulnerable groups we serve,” she explained.

Ms. Oliphant further emphasised that by making the pledge widely available, the department ensures that all members of the community can read, understand, and commit to its principles, thereby amplifying the call made by the President.

The function buzzed with energy as community members came out in large numbers to witness the traditional horse racing spectacle, participate in the festivities, and engage with important messages from government stakeholders. Beyond the entertainment, Berlin November continues to be a vital space for promoting unity and addressing critical social issues, with this year’s focus firmly on combating GBV and promoting alcohol-free celebrations.