30 Mar 2025

Men’s Social Clubs have been implored to continue joining forces with the government to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) scourge and foster a society where everyone feel safe and respected.

The call was made by North West District commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka during a GBV walk organised by Moremogolo Social Club in partnership with Gabz Tool Machinery and Inspect a Car companies on Saturday. 

The walk aimed to raise awareness and take action against GBV and other social ills.

Social clubs, he said played a vital role in fostering positive societal change through organised activities, mentorship, and advocacy; acknowledging that they provided a platform to instil values that discouraged violence and promote respect, teamwork, and inclusivity.

Mr Waloka said GBV affected individuals, families, and the nation at large but stressed that while it affected all people; women and girls suffered disproportionately. 

He noted that such clubs created safe spaces for discussions on gender equality, healthy relationships, positive masculinity, helping shift harmful cultural norms.

By integrating GBV awareness into their initiatives, he said social clubs could reach broader audiences, influencing attitudes and behaviors in meaningful ways. 

“I commend the Men’s Social Club for organising this walk, showing that GBV is not just a women’s issue, but a societal challenge that requires collective action. Your efforts complement government strategies, strengthening the fight against GBV at the grassroots level,” he added.

He said men could influence attitudes, challenge harmful norms, and advocate for change.

Mr Waloka said being silent in the face of violence was not an option, citing that real men protected, nurtured, and promoted healthy relationships. 

He appreciated Moremogolo’s initiative saying it reinforced the message that violence had no place in homes, schools, or workplaces adding that through advocacy and mentorship, together they could build a culture of respect, equality, and zero tolerance for abuse.

He also emphasised the need to support victims and standing together against all forms of violence and injustice. “Let our steps today be a powerful statement that Maun stands for peace, justice, and dignity for all. 

Let us be the generation that says ‘enough is enough’ to GBV and social injustices. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive society,” he added.

Acting Officer Commanding for District No.5, Senior Superintendent Molefhe Molefhe expressed concern about the scary numbers of incidents of GBV in his jurisdiction citing that in 2023, the police registered 1 169 cases as compared to 633 last year.

The cases, he said included murder, rape, defilement, assault common, threat to kill, neglect of children and cruel treatment over a child among others noting that it was worrisome as women and children were mostly affected.

He pointed out that in 2023, they recorded six murder cases as compared to ten last year of which in the cases, a four year-old boy was killed by his biological father in Maun. With regard to rape cases, the police recorded 145 in 2023 and 116 in 2024 while in defilement, they registered 109 and 106 in 2024.

He also shared that they recorded 63 cases of child neglect and six of cruel treatment of children. “These numbers are disturbing and call for action. We need to stand together and come up with strategies to end GBV,” he added.Moremogolo Social Club president, Mr Samuel Mokotedi said Sunday soccer clubs, were committed to augment the government in addressing societal issues as well as to encourage the community to lead healthy and active lifestyles. 

The clubs, he said were dominated by men and they ensured that during their sessions, they discussed and shared ideas on men’s issues and how best they could build healthy families. ENDS