FIGHTING GBVF IS EVERYONE’S PRIORITY

By Tsepo Ramoeletsi

• Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has called on the men in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality community to take the lead in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.
• The premier was speaking at the launch of the Tshepong Ya Rona Shelter in Bethlehem.
• Letsoha-Mathae also encouraged young women to be vigilant and not fall prey to opportunists.

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has called on fathers and men to take the lead in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide and emphasised the role of churches in addressing discrimination against people with albinism and the ongoing killings of LGBTQI+ individuals.

The premier made these remarks during her address to the Dihlabeng Local Municipality community in Bethlehem on 25 March 2025, where she attended the launch of the Tshepong Ya Rona Shelter, a safe haven which also provides victim empowerment programmes.

She highlighted the disturbing trend of young people, especially young women, being killed by individuals claiming to be in intimate relationships with them.

Letsoha-Mathae warned against the exploitation of independent, working women by opportunistic men and encouraged young women to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to such individuals.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae challenged local councillors to be more proactive in addressing the rise of fake churches and pastors, who often exploit vulnerable women and lead them into fraudulent marriages.

She urged councillors to monitor closely these activities in their communities to protect women from such abuse.

In her speech, the premier also emphasised that women’s time on social media should be used for personal development, rather than entertaining abusers and scammers who contribute to the rising number of violence and femicides.

She condemned workplace abuse, including incidents where women in positions of power exploit their co-workers and subordinates.

The premier also drew attention to the growing issue of elderly abuse in communities, urging families to take better care of their elderly relatives. She mentioned that the government has made funds available through grants to assist families in providing for frail and elderly individuals.

Finally, Premier Letsoha-Mathae called on councillors to collaborate with social workers to ensure that Department of Social Development services are accessible to all communities

She also advocated for the implementation of one-stop government outreach programmes across the province, where various government services can be accessed in one location.

Her message was loud and clear: together, we must take action to protect vulnerable individuals and work toward a safer, more inclusive society.