YOUNG MEN’S WALK FROM GAUTENG TO CAPE TOWN INSPIRES RENEWED CALL TO END GBVF

By DSD writer

• Four young men completed a long-distance walk from Gauteng to Cape Town to pledge their commitment to ending Gender Based Violence and Femicide.
• Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe praised their courage, calling on all South Africans, including civil society and the private sector, to strengthen national efforts to end GBVF.
• The Department of Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships, survivor support and building a future free from violence for women and young people.

The Office of the Minister of Social Development received a powerful pledge yesterday (27 November 25), from four young men who completed an extraordinary walk from Gauteng to Cape Town. Their journey was undertaken to draw national attention to the ongoing scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide in their communities.

By the time they arrived at the Minister’s office, the young men had delivered a written pledge affirming that they would not remain silent or passive when violence against women and young people occurs around them. Their message was clear: not in their name would such abuse be allowed to continue unchecked.

Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe welcomed the pledge, describing it as a hopeful sign that young people are taking an active role in addressing GBVF. She emphasised that the fight against gender based violence requires collective action across society. With President Cyril Ramaphosa having classified GBVF as a National Disaster, the Minister reiterated that the country now has a critical opportunity to strengthen coordination, improve financing and enhance monitoring of national interventions.

The minister called on all South Africans, including civil society organisations and the private sector, to stand with government in driving sustainable solutions. The Minister noted that young people in particular have a vital role in shaping a future free from violence and urged them to remain vocal, involved and courageous.
“Children and women must be respected and not abused. May these young people never lose the fire they have ignited, and may their courage inspire many more across the country,” Minister Tolashe said.

Before wishing the group a safe journey home, the Minister expressed her appreciation for their resilience and commitment. The Department of Social Development commended the initiative and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening partnerships, supporting survivors and building a social service workforce capable of providing protection and care to all who need it.