Community radio station Kumkani FM took a resolute stand against gender-based violence over the weekend, bringing together key social justice stakeholders, civil society organisations, and local residents at the Scenery Park Community Hall for a powerful anti-GBV campaign and candle-lighting ceremony.
Broadcasting under its brand identity as “The Voice of Hustlers”, the station spearheaded the collaborative drive to confront the ongoing scourge of violence against women and children.
The outreach served as a crucial platform for local residents to voice pressing concerns surrounding youth vulnerability, substance abuse, and community safety in the area.
Scenery Park resident Bhuti Ngesi expressed deep worry regarding the lax enforcement of alcohol sales to minors, referring to the local Enyobeni Tavern tragedy, where 21 young people between the ages of 13 and 17 tragically died.
Hundreds of teenagers had gathered at the venue for an end of exams “pens-down” celebration, leaving the space so densely packed that movement was impossible and patrons reported feeling choked and unable to breathe.
“We are trying to keep our children off the streets in Scenery Park,” Ngesi said.
”Our underage children are still buying alcohol and they are being allowed to do so.
“It is like we have totally forgotten about the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy where children died.”
Ngesi said underage drinking remained rampant, with taverns operating throughout the week and pupils visiting taverns in school uniforms for “pens-down” celebrations.
“We need to educate our children on their rights, because sometimes these rights are misunderstood, and as parents, we feel stripped of our authority,” Ngesi said.
“Programmes like this assist us immensely in addressing these complex family issues with the guidance of professionals.”
Organiser Andile Mkhosana, representing Kumkani FM, emphasised that media houses had a moral responsibility to use their platforms to drive tangible societal change.
“This special programme in Scenery Park addresses an issue that has become an absolute pandemic in our society,” Mkhosana said.
”We thought it fitting to bring together key organisations to educate our community on this elephant in the room.”
Mkhosana stressed that curbing GBV required a collective front.
“It will not be an easy fight, but involving all relevant stakeholders and engaging in direct conversations with our people is the only way we will formulate real solutions to this nationwide crisis.
“With the recent horrific killings of women reported in Kempton Park, we simply could not stay quiet. Enough is enough, and we must fight to protect our women and girls.”
The initiative drew strong support from grassroots advocacy groups, including Masimanyane Women’s Rights International.
Ntomboxolo Ntengo, a community trainer at Masimanyane, outlined the organisation’s ongoing intervention work in the region.
“We are here to offer support to women and girls by providing trauma counselling to GBV survivors through our community outreach initiatives,” Ntengo said.
“We want people to understand their rights and actively encourage young people to join our programmes to bridge knowledge gaps.”
Ntengo highlighted that Masimanyane also operated human rights clubs in local schools, where dedicated teams of social workers educated pupils on bullying and GBV.
“Our primary message to the community is clear: do not remain silent about GBV or bullying, and remember that being abused is never your fault.”
Nokuzola Mfana, representing the department of social development, lauded the proactive partnership: “We truly appreciate this gesture by Kumkani FM because combating GBV and femicide demands combined, hands-on efforts from every sector.”
