Central SA
Free State Health MEC: True freedom cannot exist while GBV persists─── 11:42 Sun, 27 Apr 2025
‘Freedom means nothing if women and children live in fear.’ This is the message from Free State MEC for Health, Viceroy Mahlatsi, speaking on the sidelines of a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) prayer service in Grassland, Bloemfontein.
“We must ensure that every survivor receives justice, and that our communities are safe, supportive spaces for all,” said Mahlatsi, who warned the country's vision of full freedom remains unfulfilled while GBVF continue to devastate communities.
As South Africans celebrated the 31st anniversary of Freedom Day on (27/4), Mahlatsi said that the hard-won freedom of 1994 stands in stark contrast to the ongoing reality faced by women and children today. “During the struggle, we never imagined that we would still be grappling with issues like gender-based violence. It limits the rights and freedoms of its victims – predominantly women and children.
That is why today, we are highlighting their plight and committing to eradicating this scourge.” Mahlatsi emphasised the Department of Health’s efforts extend beyond providing clinical care. “Earlier this month, we launched a new Thuthuzela Centre in Kwaggafontein–the fifth such facility in the province. Beyond offering medical assistance, we collect critical evidence to support prosecutions and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”
He added that mental health interventions are becoming increasingly important. “We're working on early intervention by identifying potential perpetrators through mental health awareness and campaigns, aiming to prevent violence before it occurs. ” He stressed the importance of training healthcare workers, especially in rural clinics and hospitals, to handle GBVF cases with sensitivity and care. In many rural areas, GBVF has sadly been normalised.“ That's why we are pushing awareness campaigns and ensuring that statutory rape cases and other incidents are immediately reported to the justice system.”
He also condemned practices where poorer families are pressured into silence in exchange for material benefits, calling for a societal shift to confront and end such behaviour.
On Friday, (02/05), Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro Municipality, Gregory Nthatisi, and the Executive Council will lead a Provincial Freedom Day event in the same area. This year’s commemoration of Freedom Day will be held under the theme: ‘United in Resilience for the Defense of Our Freedom and Democracy.’
