The Kimberley Prospector

Church leaders from the Teemane Regional Council of the Uniting Congregational Church of Southern Africa have taken a firm public stand against gender based violence following a regional gathering held in Warrenton from March 19-21. The declaration was issued by members of the Isililo Manyano Bomme (IMB), who expressed deep concern over the rising number of gender based violence cases affecting communities across the region. In a strongly worded statement, the group said they were “concerned and appalled” by the increase in violence against women and children, condemning all forms of abuse and calling for urgent societal action. The leaders highlighted that many incidents are carried out by individuals known and trusted by victims, describing this as a serious breach of moral responsibility. They stressed that perpetrators should be exposed regardless of their social standing or position within families, communities or churches. The council emphasised that accountability must begin at home and within faith institutions, stating that there was no place for perpetrators of gender based violence in either households or places of worship.