Mabuza: All South Africans must fight violence against women and children

The deputy president made this remarks at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday morning, where he was officiating the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The annual campaign kicks off on Wednesday.

It also marks the beginning of five days of remembrance for South Africans who have lost their lives due to Covid-19.

Mabuza says as the country faced the Covid-19 pandemic, violence against women and children was also cutting into the fabric of society.

"No nation can emerge from the ruins and destruction of its own women and children at the hands of men.

"The whole nation must rise, and mobilise every street, every community, every church, and every family to join the fight against the murder, and violation of women and children by men," he said.

Mabuza called on all South African to wear a black armband or any other sign that signifies mourning during the five days, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month.

"We call on all families, communities and organisations to set up memorial corners where flowers, lit candles and any appropriate form of memorialisation is observed to remember and honour those who have lost their lives.”