The chairperson of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Kgosi Malope II has called on families across Botswana to actively participate in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV), emphasising that responsibility should not be left solely to national leaders.
Botswana has, of late, been embroiled in issues of GBV, which continue to spiral out of control.
As the NYD convened for its fourth meeting, Malope highlighted that the persistent rise in GBV cases is a reflection of deep-rooted social issues that begin with families. “As Dikgosi, we are earnestly concerned about the ever-increasing Gender Based Violence affecting our communities, and statistics show that from December 19, 2024, to January 2025, Botswana Police recorded 60 cases of rape, 19 of murder, and 13 defilement cases,” he said.
Malope stated that the figures paint a worrisome picture, which implores everyone to take action against the scourge of GBV and put an end to it urgently.
As a way to tackle the scourge, Malope said it requires collective community involvement and a shift in household attitudes towards respect, empathy, and conflict resolution.
“This is an urgent call for continuous collective action, and I would like to take this moment to appeal to our families to talk about GBV loudly. We should try really hard and talk to see where the problem emanates from,” said Malope.
In order to combat this scourge, Malope said this should not be a responsibility only left up to the leaders, but needs everyone’s input to fight against it.
“I believe that this problem is not only for experts and leaders of our country. It is our kids that kill each other in our homes, our neighbours, our friends, and even our close ones,” Malope said.
The chairperson believes that a collective effort will be effective in the fight against GBV as it will help expose the rot early, in the homes.
