Church silence allows GBV to thrive unchecked – Ndaba

Mpho Mokwape | Wednesday May 13, 2026 06:00

Speaking at the UCCSA Trinity Congregational Church Anti-GBV Campaign Walk, where he served as chief walker, the Finance Minister urged the church to become a voice for victims and a force for change in society.

Addressing the congregation after the walk, the Ndaba said churches have a responsibility to confront violence openly and protect vulnerable people in their communities.

“In the opening lines of the Gospel of John, it is written that ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. As a fellow member of Trinity Church, I stand with you in shared faith and shared responsibility,' he said.

He said GBV has become a serious social problem that continues to destroy families, communities, and lives.

The Vice President stressed that violence goes against Christian teachings and human dignity.

“The witness of the UCCSA must be clearly heard today, that GBV has no place in our homes, our churches, our communities, and our Republic,” he said.

The minister said every human being is created in the image of God and therefore deserves respect and protection. He warned that violence weakens the moral foundation of society and leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars on victims.

He called on churches to move “from silence to responsibility” by speaking openly about abuse and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

“Breaking that silence requires courage, to name what is wrong, the willingness to intervene, and the conviction that abuse must never be normalised or excused,” Ndaba said.

He also expressed concern over the high number of rape and defilement cases reported to the Botswana Police Service, adding that many incidents still go unreported because victims fear stigma, rejection, or intimidation.

Ndaba said change must begin at home, with parents teaching children values of respect, compassion, and equality.

He further challenged men and boys to become active partners in the fight against GBV rather than remain silent observers.

“Transformation begins in families. Men and boys must stand up and reject violence in all its forms,' he explained.

UCCSA Synod of Botswana Chairperson and Trinity Church Resident Minister Reverend Kagiso Mphato also addressed the congregation, saying the church cannot ignore the pain and suffering caused by violence.

“GBV is a shadow that attempts to cast darkness on the image of God,” Rev Mphato said.

He said true peace, or Biblical shalom, cannot exist where people are abused or mistreated. According to Rev Mphato, faith should inspire believers to protect and care for one another.

“The Bible teaches that you cannot claim to love God whom you have not seen whilst failing to love your fellow human being,” he said.

Rev Mphato urged church members to take action against GBV and ensure that churches become safe spaces for victims rather than places where abusers are protected.

“We must rise for love and against violence. The church must be a sanctuary for victims, not a hiding place for perpetrators,' he said.

The campaign walk attracted church members, community leaders and activists who marched together to raise awareness about GBV and encourage victims to seek support.