By: Nomvula Ndlovu and Nhlanhla Ndlovu

The eThekwini Municipality held an awareness march as part of commemorating 16 Days of Activism for Non Violence Against Women and Children on Tuesday morning.

The march, themed Count me in: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward, was lead by the Mayor James Nxumalo and began at the King DiniZulu Park, heading to City Hall.

The aim was to raise awareness among residents pertaining to incidents of violence against woman and children. It was also to emphasise the fact that solutions to the violence lies with the members of the communities.

Members of the community and the St John Brass Band united towards making it known that “women and children abuse will not be tolerated”.

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube emphasized on protecting women and children.

“ As the people of eThekwini, we are saying it should be 365 days of activism of no violence against women and children campaign. So that all of us can sit comfortably knowing that we are saying no to the violence that we see in and around our communities,” she said.

She encouraged KZN citizens to participate in all the activities that aim to raise awareness against gender-based violence as their theme says.

KwaMashu resident Alfred Ngcobo who was part of the campaigners also believes that women and children must be protected.

“ A man who beats his wife and children is just a coward according to my understanding- these people are weak and they need our protection,” said Ngcobo.