Kuhluka Movement and South African Royal Princesses Network sign an MoU on Gender Based Violence advocacy
by HRH Stella Sigcau
4 March 2022
The South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN) signed an MoU with Kuhluka Movement (KM) cooperating on the GBV Advocacy and Awareness on 25 February 2022 at Mhulu Boutique Hotel in Pretoria, Gauteng. The aim of the MoU is to find ways and means to contribute in the fight against GBV working with Traditional Leaders and rural communities.
Josina Machel, founder of Kuhluka Movement and HRH Stella Sigcau(SARPN) signing the MoU
Josina Machel the founder of Kuhluka Movement quoting the late Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, in her speech stated that, “culture does not promote GBV" but the reality of today is that some elements of culture have been hijacked by criminal elements. The important question is therefore how can culture be used in the fight against GBV. What happens to those cultural practices that have been hijacked by criminal elements like ukuthwala and ukungenwa. The role of Traditional Leaders in this regard as custodians of culture is imperative. Engagement with communities in this regard is essential, she emphasized.
Mr Kirtan Bhana, founder and Director of the Diplomatic Society in his message of support stressed the importance of humanity and the human touch in tackling GBV. The Diplomatic Society is one of the stakeholders the Princesses Network works with including on issues of GBV. As human beings it is important to be in touch with our humanity, Ubuntu, going back to basics of humanity as well as care and love which are fundamental, he said. He also emphasised the important role of culture in the fight against GBV. He congratulated the signatories on this important step and said that he looked forward to working with them.
Dr Nomvuyo Nokwe, former High Commissioner to Mauritius and former Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) commended the Princesses and Josina Machel and team for this important step. She explained that GBV was both a national and international crisis and that it is important for stakeholders to come together and fight this pandemic. She explained that when they were in the camps fighting for liberation alongside Swapo, Frelimo, etc. they were fighting for total liberation including that of women and children. The sad reality is that women and children are not fully emancipated and are the most affected by GBV. The struggle continues, she said.
The owner of Mhulu Boutique Hotel Dr Tshepo Mahanuka welcomed guests and said that he was honoured to host such a historic event on his premises. He congratulated both parties for this important milestone.
Phelisa Nkunjana from Ekurhuleni Municipality took the audience on the different types of GBV and how they impacted on societies, on women and children including the psychological impact. She also commended the signatories for this important step, pledged her support and said that she was looking forward to working with the stakeholders.
On behalf of CONTRALESA, Secretary General HRH Zolani Mkiva who is also a member of Parliament (South Africa) pledged Contralesa’s support for this initiative and commended the Princesses Network for this milestone. He however emphasised that more work needed to be done with regards to fighting GBV and noted that the more Awareness campaigns there were, the more GBV cases escalated at an alarming rate. More research needed to be done as to what is the course, he noted. He stated that Contralesa was looking forward to working with the Network.
In attendance were also the Princesses and Royalty from various parts of South Africa as well as representatives from government and the business sector. Contributing to the program were Sello Motsei from Kwebong Consulting, Stan Montsho from the Department of Tourism, Ishmael Ashref, founder of Real World and Training and Edmond Shoko, Chief Investment Officer at Umbilical Venture Capital.
The ceremony commenced with observing a moment of silence for the passing of the Chairperson of Moral Regeneration Movement in South Africa, Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima who played an instrumental role in the institution of Tradition Leadership. The Guests were entertained by singers Csana and Nomzekelo Jamakazi from the Mpondo Kingdom.
The partnership will kick off with visits and meetings with various Senior Traditional Leaders and Councils in the Eastern Cape from 19 March 2022. Meetings will be held with Traditional Leaders in various provinces of South Africa throughout the year. The purpose is to establish and identify areas of cooperation on GBV awareness and joint efforts and programs to contribute in the fight against GBV in the rural areas as well as empowerment of women and youth.
As part of the SARPN national campaign to fight and create awareness and educate on GBV as well as empower women and children, the SARPN will host GBV awareness programmes nationwide throughout the year and some of these in partnership with Kuhluka Movement.
Photos by Bethuel Hamane