KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called on political parties to apply the same vigor they exhibit during election campaigns to the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking at the funeral of Nokuphila Mbhele in Umzumbe on Saturday, Ntuli emphasized the urgent need for a collective approach to address this pervasive issue.
Mbhele was allegedly killed by her partner, who subsequently attempted suicide. Her death is among several recent GBV incidents on the KZN south coast, including the murders of sisters Nandipha and Nangamso Lifana, all reportedly perpetrated by individuals known to the victims.
Ntuli highlighted the severity of the problem, stating, “It is obvious that there is a problem, and it is huge, and it requires everyone’s attention. When you are a business, religious, political, or traditional leader—it is important that you do something to champion a dialogue to be an ambassador of a fight against gender-based violence.”
He further urged community members to actively oppose GBV, asserting that ending the violence necessitates collective action: “These killings of innocent souls must really stop, but will only stop when everyone in the province plays a role.”
Addressing political leaders present, Ntuli called for them to channel the same energy used in electioneering into combating GBV. The Lifana sisters are scheduled to be laid to rest in their hometown of Bizana in the Eastern Cape.
