As SA observes Heritage Month, leading traditional leaders have come out strongly against gender-based violence and mistreating of women and children.
As part of several events to mark the end of Women’s Month and the beginning of Heritage Month, AbaThembu king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo and Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders deputy chair Nkosi Gwazinamba Matanzima, both spoke on the problem.
Dalindyebo spoke in Mthatha and Matanzima at an event in Ngqamakhwe.
Dalindyebo said any nation that ill-treated its women, raped and killed the elderly and children was not proud of its heritage and should never define itself as a nation.
“Treat a woman as a person, not an object or possession.
“Support women as best as possible, actively play a part against rape culture, and stop any forms of prejudice, abuse or violence against women.
“Let’s be role models to boys within the family and around communities,” Dalindyebo said.
Matanzima said no nation could pride itself on abusing, killing and raping women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
“In African culture, even during times of war when each nation and tribe attacked each other, women and children even of the enemies were never harmed in any way.
“Instead, they were even protected by the enemy army. We need such a mentality as we celebrate Heritage Month.”
Matazima further expressed disappointment that a Ngqamakhwe traditional leader was arrested for assaulting his wife.
“As traditional leaders we are peace officers and custodians of customs and culture. Beating a woman is not part of our heritage,” Matanzima said.
The traditional leaders believed that Women’s Month and heritage were “related to each other”.
They said rituals such as male and female customary initiation were meant to create men and women of great stature and make a nation of high integrity with high moral fibre and patriotism.
“Men even in the time of war never kill children and women. What is happening now, where women are raped, killed have their bodies cut into pieces, is un-African,” Matanzima said.
Matanzima and Dalindyebo’s words were supported by House of Traditional leaders Amathole chair Nkosi Xhanti Sigcawu, Men For Change provincial chair Colonel Sivuyile Nqaphi, and the SAPS’s Spiritual Crime Prevention provincial chair the Rev Mziyanda Noqayi.
Noqayi said: “Criminal behaviour affects morals in our societies.
“We must play a role in moral regeneration and restoration from all angles of the community.
“Moral regeneration forms part of the strategic pillars of any nation.
“Stronger family structures enhance harmony and stability in every community.”
He said community leaders must encourage and develop youth through inter-religious justice-focused initiatives.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.