10/12/2025
Parents, caregivers, community leaders and civil society urged to report cases of abuse
As the nation was commemorating the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Free State Department called on parents, caregivers, community leaders and civil society to report cases of abuse to relevant authorities.
This year's campaign was run under the theme: “30 years of advancing collective action to end violence against women and children”.
The campaign marked three decades of global and national efforts to eradicate gender-based violence and promote safe, inclusive communities.
Said Free State Education MEC, Dr MJ Maboya: “As a department entrusted with shaping young minds, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering environments where learners, educators, support staff in our schools and ECD centres, officials and families are protected, empowered and respected.”
The department has implemented various programs to address GBV, including training educators on prevention and reporting, providing school-based prevention programs, and collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen anti-GBV initiatives.
"We urge parents, caregivers, community leaders and civil society to partner with us in creating a culture of accountability and compassion by reporting cases of abuse with relevant authorities as soon as possible," said MEC Maboya.
The department call on key education stakeholders which include learners , teachers and parents to :
- Prevent and report cases of abuse to relevant authorities
- Support GBV survivors, especially learners with school based support programs
- Challenge harmful cultural norms that perpetuate GBV
- Collaborate with NGOs, government departments, and local leaders to strengthen anti-GBV initiatives
Together, we can build a South Africa where every child and every woman lives free from fear.
The department is committed to creating safe learning environments, free from violence and abuse, MEC Maboya said.
