Residents of the Hlanganani area converged at the Rivoni Society for the Blind Hall on Saturday to support the 16 Days of Activism campaign, aimed at eradicating violence against women and children.

Chief Samuel Mukhari said culture and tradition played a major role in the exploitation of women and children. "Culture and tradition are still used to justify the physical and emotional abuse of women and children. We have is to ensure that the campaign succeeds in breaking the silence against domestic violence and abuse. At the same time, it cannot undermine the good that our culture and tradition can provide,” he added.

He mentioned that traditional and religious leaders could make a difference by instilling change in people’s perceptions about customs and family values. “Good moral values are keys in the fight against violence and abuse of both women and children. By embarking on this campaign today, all of us are clearly sending a message that women and children are worthy human beings who deserve to be valued and respected as equal members of society," Mukhari said.

According to him, violence against children has reached an alarming stage, adding that people should learn to respect life. Ms Mabatho Ramakgoshi of the Mabatho Foundation for Women Development said her organisation would work in partnership with different structures, civil organisations, community members and government bodies to fight the scourge of violence against woman and children in the area. “If we can join hands and work together in partnerships, we can win the war against women and child abuse,” she said.

Ms Thokozile Eister, project manager of Tipfuxeni Community project, said several women and children from the area had fallen victim to ritual killings in the past.