Families are meant to be sanctuaries of love and support rather than battlegrounds of conflict.
However, the District Administrator (DA) of Thaba-Tseka, Tlali Mphafi, has expressed deep concern over the negative influence that gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic violence have on the emotional stability of children in affected families.
Speaking in reflection on this publication’s coverage of the challenges facing the youth in his district, Mphafi said that children growing up in environments filled with conflict are deprived of familial love and warmth, forcing them to seek affection and guidance outside their homes.
The Child Protection and Welfare Act of 2011 seeks to safeguard and promote the well-being of children. However, concerns persist regarding parents who leave their children without adequate care while seeking employment or other opportunities.
This situation, Mphafi noted, exposes children to numerous risks and vulnerabilities.
Similarly, the Counter Domestic Violence Act, passed by parliament, has faced criticism due to inadequate facilities and weak coordination among stakeholders. Reports indicate that the judiciary continues to struggle with its effective implementation.
Although the legislation was enacted to curb the widespread problem of domestic violence, family courts, which the law envisions to handle GBV-related cases, are yet to be established. Nevertheless, the Act introduces harsher penalties for perpetrators and prioritises the safety and well-being of victims.
According to Afrobarometer findings, 53 percent of Basotho view violence against women as a common problem in their communities, with 28 percent describing it as “somewhat common” and 25 percent as “very common.”
Earlier this year, the Minister of Justice and Law, Richard Ramoeletsi, revealed that Mafeteng District has recorded the highest number of GBV cases. For the 2024/25 period, 145 incidents have been reported. Of these, 35 have resulted in convictions, 29 are still before the courts, and 18 have been dismissed.
Mphafi further highlighted that exposure to GBV within families not only disrupts children’s emotional stability but also hampers their ability to build healthy relationships. Deprived of nurturing love and a stable home environment, these children often turn to peers for advice, which can lead to risky behaviour and negative outcomes.
“They take advice from their friends,” he said, “and unfortunately, some are encouraged to engage in sexual activity, have babies prematurely, or enter into early marriages. The issue of early child marriage is also common in this district. I don’t know where it all went wrong, but most boys from initiation school get married, some as young as 16 or 17, often to their age-mates.”
To tackle these challenges, Mphafi said the district has adopted a unified, multi-sectoral approach, emphasising that no single department or agency can address all the issues alone.
Through joint campaigns with stakeholders and partners, the district conducts outreach activities aimed at engaging communities and addressing youth-related challenges.
He added that law enforcement authorities have intensified efforts to arrest those involved in child marriage, while awareness campaigns continue to educate communities about the illegality and consequences of such practices.
Summary
- The District Administrator (DA) of Thaba-Tseka, Tlali Mphafi, has expressed deep concern over the negative influence that gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic violence have on the emotional stability of children in affected families.
- Speaking in reflection on this publication’s coverage of the challenges facing the youth in his district, Mphafi said that children growing up in environments filled with conflict are deprived of familial love and warmth, forcing them to seek affection and guidance outside their homes.
- He added that law enforcement authorities have intensified efforts to arrest those involved in child marriage, while awareness campaigns continue to educate communities about the illegality and consequences of such practices.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
