Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, has thrown his weight behind the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development in the campaign to curb the sourge of gender-based violence (GBV) across the province.

MEC Khoza has formed a partnership with traditional leaders to lead campaigns against the scourge of GBV, while rebuilding family values.

Today, MEC Khoza officially met with King Goodwill Zwelithini at Osuthu Royal Palace to outline government plans to fight the scourge of GBV.

The King invited MEC Khoza to a meeting to provide details regarding the newly -built One Stop Development Centre constructed at Osuthu. The Centre set to be open soon will bring government services to the people to ensure rural development.

MEC Khoza donated Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) like sanitizers, and dignity packs to ensure that the King's guests are safe.

MEC Khoza assured the King that all traditional councils across the province will also be provided with similar donations.

The Department partnered with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to distribute these equipments to the communities.

Handing over the equipment, MEC Khoza said it was important that the coronavirus should be fought on all fronts.

"Since the outbreak of Covid-19, we have been challenged to do things in an abnormal way. A number of people have lost the livelihoods. Our visit here today is part of our plans to fight poverty and ensure that people who reside and those visiting the Royal Household are not infected.

"We will continue to ensure the safety of all our people through the distribution of PPE and education about the disease across different clans in the length and breadth of the province."

King Zwelithini appluaded MEC Khoza and her team for their commitment to addressing the plight of the poor people. He said he was pleased with the government plan to safeguard the people.

"We know that this Department has a mammoth task, but we see the commitment. As you are committed to serve my people, you have my support in fighting GBV and all traditional leaders will continue to lend a hand to government in fighting the scourge. The Royal Household is also playing it's part in fighting the scourge. All Royal Palaces are places of safety for victims of GBV. Some of the victims end up being part of the Royal family and we even forget their places and families of origin. The fight against GBV should be fought aggressively in our society and as the Royal Household we are here to help."

The king further urged citizens to adhere to Covid-19 regulations. "At no stage should people take the guidelines provided by government and health practitioners for granted. As the nation, we should be working closely with government to defeat this pandemic."

ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT