The message is loud and clear: they have had enough of the violence and abuse against innocent women and children at their villages. They cannot just sit down and fold their arms as if nothing is happening around them and they decided to do something to make their people aware of the dangers and the impact of abuse on the community.

During a march in Thohoyandou, two well-known senior traditional leaders, Vho Thovhele Musiiwa Gole Mphahuli and Thovhele Vho Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, led by example when they led a march from the Thohoyandou shopping complex to the University of Venda stadium.

The campaign, themed One Man Can, saw men from all walks of life taking a pledge to stop abuse in whatever form and from whatever quarter it may come from.

The campaign was to make men aware that the effort to stop abuse can start with an individual. Men were encouraged to start it themselves and to spread the message to other men.

In an interview with Mirror, Vho Thovhele Tshivhase said as traditional leaders they had to lead by example that abuse and violence are not the way to live. “We have had enough of this violence happening in our villages and stopping it has to start with us,” he said. He said it was every man’s responsibility to end violence and also to spread the message against abuse to every man. He urged all men with problems not to keep quiet but to share it with others close to them.  Vho Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli urged all men to be man enough to solve their problems amicably. “Men are known to be leaders at their homes but it is surprising to see the protectors of families killing their families,” he said.

Mr Tshifhiwa Maumela, a senior magistrate at Hlanganani, urged all men to respect women as they continue in their role of leading the nation. He said most of the most important functions could not take place without involving women.