TACKLING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN RURAL KZN: A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPROACH

By Mthobisi Mbanjwa

• The small rural town of Jozini, in the north of KwaZulu-Natal, continues to report a distressingly high number of rape and gender-based violence (GBV) cases, with survivors in rural communities often facing fear of retaliation, social stigma, and limited access to essential services.
• The MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbali Cynthia Shinga, travelled to Jozini to reinforce the province’s commitment to eradicating GBV through community-driven solutions.
• Statistics presented during the MEC’s visit emphasised the “urgency of addressing this crisis with a united front” that must include community members, traditional leaders, law enforcement and civil society.

Jozini, a rural town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, recently became the focal point of a concerted effort to address the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV).

Leading the initiative was KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Cynthia Shinga, who reinforced the province’s commitment to eradicating GBV through community-driven solutions.

The event, held in partnership with the national Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), sought to raise awareness, confront social stigmas, and offer tangible support to survivors of GBV.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) presented a stark reality: Jozini continues to report a distressingly high number of rape and GBV cases. Survivors in rural communities often face significant barriers, including fear of retaliation, social stigma, and limited access to essential services.

“We cannot ignore the reality that gender-based violence is tearing apart the fabric of our society, particularly in rural areas like Jozini,” said Shinga. “The statistics presented today emphasise the urgency of addressing this crisis with a united front.”

The MEC called for a holistic approach to combatting GBV, emphasising the importance of partnerships across all sectors. “This is not a fight that government can win alone. We need the active participation of community members, traditional leaders, law enforcement, and civil society to build safer communities.”

She also stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to improve their response to GBV cases and make sure the survivors get justice. “We must ensure that survivors feel safe to report these crimes and that perpetrators are held accountable.”

A key theme of the event was the role of men and boys in challenging harmful social norms that perpetuate violence. “We need to engage men and boys as allies in this fight. It is time for them to stand up, speak out, and challenge the toxic masculinity that fuels violence against women and children,” said Shinga.

In a show of solidarity with survivors, Shinga handed over Social Relief of Distress packages to five families severely affected by GBV. The support, she noted, was a small but crucial step toward helping these families rebuild their lives. “Providing immediate relief is essential, but we must also work towards long-term solutions that empower survivors economically and emotionally.”

The event reinforced the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development’s commitment to expanding access to psychological and social support services in rural areas. “Our mission is to ensure that every survivor, no matter where they live, has access to the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives,” Shinga concluded.