Mens Forum To Lead Matatiele Mass Shutdown Against Gbv

The National Mens Forum will lead what it calls a mass shutdown in Matatiele this weekend to demand accountability from law enforcement officials amid rising cases of violence, rape and abuse of women and children.

This follows the reported rape of a seven- year old girl at a school in the area , which has sparked outrage and led to marches in several provinces.

The First Deputy President of the National Mens Forum, Rev. Xolamzi Sam says, "Our demand is that there should be conducive environment in Matatiele for the rape survivors to be able to report."

"If you remember that this case specifically has taken about five months to be taken notice of, so it means to us that there is a delay in taking care of these cases, that is the one thing that we need to do in Matatiele."

Sam adds, "Over and above that, we want to make sure that men are involved in their numbers in Matatiele, and everywhere in South Africa, so that the voices of men can be heard in fighting gender based violence."