Ever since he was sworn into office, Masisi’s reign has been characterised by a steep rise in GBV cases, rape, murder, defilement, threat-to-kill, to mention but a few. Crimes of passion remain a concern as women continue to lose their lives at the hands of their male lovers. For years, men have been exhibiting frightening lack of anger management with their insecurities towards their partners identified as the root cause. With all the campaigns against GBV, one would have thought it would be better but despite these efforts, it seems like all the campaigns and teachings are just in vain because everyday cases relating to GBV are reported. Ending violence against women and girls remains a hurdle as the duo continue to experience physical or sexual violence, mostly perpetrated by intimate partners.
In last year’s SONA address, Masisi revealed that social ills, particularly tensions in gender relations in the society, were worrisome and called for all to introspect whether these social ills are consistent with cultural values. “Our values and norms as a society, in the treatment of girls and women in relation to boys and men, right from the family unit, have been eroded. Keletso ya rona ke go nna chaba e e boitshwaro jo bontle, le go tshidisanya sentle, go sa kgathalesege gore o motho wa letso le fe, bong bo fe, tumelo e fe kgotsa seemo se fe. It is disheartening that while we have tried various interventions to combat GBV, there continues to be more reports of horrendous acts of abuse,” Masisi said. Then, Masisi stated that children and women are bullied, defiled, raped and murdered hence the need to ensure that the perpetrators of violent and intrusive crimes, fully account for their heinous acts. “It is imperative that all of us revive the strong family and community structures and values that produce and nurture responsible citizens who regard and treat others with dignity.
