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By Priscilla Mafa
Traditional leaders under Chief Mafala in Ndinaneni yesterday underwent training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) aimed at strengthening community efforts to protect men, women and children from abuse and promote safer communities.
The training, held at Chief Mafala Homestead in Mabhechula Village organised by 4 for Girls Focus Trust, brought together about 70 traditional leaders and various Government stakeholders who presented on different forms of GBV and intervention measures within communities.
Speaking during said event Madam Daut Majoni, the Director of 4 for Girls said traditional leaders have a crucial role in shaping community norms, resolving disputes, and protecting vulnerable groups, making their involvement important in promoting violence-free communities.
Speaking during the training, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Schools Inspector Mr Makesure Shumba said parents and guardians should uphold and respect children’s rights both at home and in schools.
“We continue to witness various forms of GBV affecting children in schools and communities. Parents and guardians must create safe environments for children and avoid all forms of abuse, discrimination, and violence,” he said.
Mr Shumba said traditional leaders also have a critical role in protecting children and ensuring that abuse cases are reported and addressed promptly.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training representative, Mr Ngwenya, expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among young people.
“We are encouraging parents to work closely with authorities and seek help for children abusing drugs and substances. Families can bring affected youths to the Government Complex for assistance and referral to Dadaya Rehabilitation Centre for counselling and rehabilitation services,” he said.
Mr Ngwenya urged communities and traditional leaders to work together in addressing the root causes of drug and substance abuse among youths.
Meanwhile, Zvishavane District Hospital Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) focal person Sister Sofia Manjeru urged communities to report sexual abuse cases without delay and seek medical attention within 72 hours.
“When a child or woman has been sexually abused, they should be taken to hospital immediately within 72 hours. Early medical intervention helps prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, as well as HIV and AIDS,” she said.
Sister Manjeru said many survivors fail to access timely medical services due to stigma and fear within communities.
She also called upon traditional leaders to encourage survivors and their families to seek urgent assistance and avoid settling abuse cases informally.
Chief Mafala expressed gratitude to organiser Madam Majoni for coordinating the training programme and thanked various stakeholders for educating traditional leaders and the community on GBV-related issues.
“We are grateful for this important training and the information shared by different stakeholders. As traditional leaders, we are open to more programmes and discussions that help protect our communities, women, and children,” he said.
He added that his homestead remained open for future engagements and awareness programmes aimed at addressing social challenges affecting communities.
The programme also focused on strengthening collaboration between traditional leaders, Government departments, health institutions, and communities in responding to GBV cases and promoting justice for survivors.
The training, held at Chief Mafala Homestead in Mabhechula Village organised by 4 for Girls Focus Trust, brought together about 70 traditional leaders and various Government stakeholders who presented on different forms of GBV and intervention measures within communities.
Speaking during said event Madam Daut Majoni, the Director of 4 for Girls said traditional leaders have a crucial role in shaping community norms, resolving disputes, and protecting vulnerable groups, making their involvement important in promoting violence-free communities.
Speaking during the training, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Schools Inspector Mr Makesure Shumba said parents and guardians should uphold and respect children’s rights both at home and in schools.
“We continue to witness various forms of GBV affecting children in schools and communities. Parents and guardians must create safe environments for children and avoid all forms of abuse, discrimination, and violence,” he said.
Mr Shumba said traditional leaders also have a critical role in protecting children and ensuring that abuse cases are reported and addressed promptly.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training representative, Mr Ngwenya, expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among young people.
“We are encouraging parents to work closely with authorities and seek help for children abusing drugs and substances. Families can bring affected youths to the Government Complex for assistance and referral to Dadaya Rehabilitation Centre for counselling and rehabilitation services,” he said.
Mr Ngwenya urged communities and traditional leaders to work together in addressing the root causes of drug and substance abuse among youths.
Meanwhile, Zvishavane District Hospital Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) focal person Sister Sofia Manjeru urged communities to report sexual abuse cases without delay and seek medical attention within 72 hours.
“When a child or woman has been sexually abused, they should be taken to hospital immediately within 72 hours. Early medical intervention helps prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, as well as HIV and AIDS,” she said.
Sister Manjeru said many survivors fail to access timely medical services due to stigma and fear within communities.
She also called upon traditional leaders to encourage survivors and their families to seek urgent assistance and avoid settling abuse cases informally.
Chief Mafala expressed gratitude to organiser Madam Majoni for coordinating the training programme and thanked various stakeholders for educating traditional leaders and the community on GBV-related issues.
“We are grateful for this important training and the information shared by different stakeholders. As traditional leaders, we are open to more programmes and discussions that help protect our communities, women, and children,” he said.
He added that his homestead remained open for future engagements and awareness programmes aimed at addressing social challenges affecting communities.
The programme also focused on strengthening collaboration between traditional leaders, Government departments, health institutions, and communities in responding to GBV cases and promoting justice for survivors.
Published
May 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM
