In 2023, the United Nations issued a statement that urged traditional leadership to play a role in fighting gender-based violence. The statement reiterated that “As symbols of unity and tolerance, traditional leaders are part of the authorities best placed to reverse the epidemic of Gender-Based Violence”. To the contrary, a recent video circulating on social media showing an Eastern Cape traditional leader assaulting an elderly woman has sparked outrage around the province and country. In it, the 29-year-old Tsholorha traditional leader from Ngqakayi location in Elliotdale, is seen assaulting two elderly women, accusing one of witchcraft.
Sonke Gender Justice condemns this violence, which is possibly not an isolated incident. It is even more concerning that it is carried out by someone who should know better. Traditional leaders are custodians of culture. African culture premises on the philosophy of Ubuntu which is characterized by respect and treating all people with dignity, seeing a traditional leader behaving in this manner undermines this.
Sonke through the Inkanyezi Project, is amongst the stakeholders that are leading interventions to hold this traditional leader accountable for his violent actions. The Inkanyezi project, focuses on building women leadership technical capacity, gender transformation and creating safe spaces for women in leadership positions and in household spaces. The project recognizes that power and leadership has been shaped by gender bias, often privileging men while disregarding women’s existence and knowledge. Through our various intervention programs, many women have shared experiences where they reflected on how they have fallen victim of various forms of GBV at the hands of their loved ones.
We commend the decisive action taken by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the immediate suspension of the traditional leader, Avela Njuqwana. We also welcome the ongoing efforts and interventions led by Mbhashe’s multiple stakeholders to raise awareness in the community. We encourage the mobilization of community members including women, young women, men, boys, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals to participate in the project’s dialogues. Their commitment plays a crucial role in holding Avela Njuqwana accountable for his actions.
The Inkanyezi project continues to lead the following gender transformation and anti-GBV interventions in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces:
- Feminist and governance leadership training for elected traditional and religious women and young women leaders.
- Support women led gender equality action initiatives
- Facilitate referral and follow-up services for women and young women leaders.
- Joint dialogues and creative advocacy campaigns on policy i.e. National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide
- Organize and facilitate community workshops on Integrated Development Planning processes regarding gender equality
- Consultations with local government on strengthening response to gender equality.
- Monitor cases related to Gender equality and GBV
- Conduct Community sensitization at various places such as clinics, schools and community gatherings
- Conduct Media training on gender-sensitivity, women’s leadership and GBV reporting
- Conduct Imbizo for religious, traditional and elected leaders on gender transformative norms
- Conduct training targeting male influencers in transformative gender norms, gender equality and promoting women’s leadership.
- Host family imbizos with families of women leaders on their role in advancing gender equality.
Through these interventions, we are contributing towards turning the tide against Gender-based Violence and Femicide.
Written by Vuyokazi Gonyela and Leo Mbobi, Inkanyezi Project Manager and Senior Trainer.
