Johannesburg -
President Jacob Zuma will, next week, launch the 16 days of activism campaign against violence targeted at women and children, the Presidency said on Sunday.
“The campaign will also mark its 16th anniversary of raising gender-based violence, reflect on 20 years of democracy and 60 years of the Women's Charter,” said the Presidency in a statement.
Zuma will host the launch of the campaign on Tuesday at the WJ Clements Stadium in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni.
Meanwhile, minister in the presidency for women, Susan Shabangu, called on South Africans to make a pledge against the “albatross” of patriarchy and gender-based violence.
“I am cool, I do not bully,” was one of the promises Shabangu said South Africans needed to make.
Speaking at a sports and culture day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria over the weekend, Shabangu said men and boys needed to become part of the solution.
She said South Africans should also make pledges like: “ I do not punch others,” as well as declare: “I will not hit my wife and children; I will protect my sister; I care for the safety of women and children,” and “I financially provide for my family”.
In Kwazulu Natal, Finance MEC, Belinda Scott, and various mayors planned to partake in the campaign on Tuesday - including a visit to Bruntville in Mooi River for a “peaceful walk” by men against gender-based violence and substance abuse.
The awareness campaign runs annually from 25 November to December 10.
Its slogan this year is “Count Me In: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward”. - Sapa