16 Days of Activism: 'Poverty and food insecurity contribute to GBV'

CAPE TOWN - Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike say poverty and food insecurity remain a contributing factor in gender-based violence.

Letsike was speaking at the Men's Parliament event at Parow Municipality Chambers.

The event comes as the country observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

The deputy minister said that the government must speak about poverty until it's mitigated through solutions.

"We have to get more men and women in the workspace in the labour market so that they cannot necessarily get an opportunity to violate."

The provincial secretary of the Men's Sector, Prince Sindile Sigcau, said the Men's Parliament is implementing corrective measures to address crime.

"Police only arrest people after they have committed crime. But now if we mobilise communities, because these criminal activities are planned in the communities. If we mobilise communities first, then we will be able to effect some of these things."