Africa-Press – Eswatini. Lavumisa town came to a standstill as hundreds of voices echoed through its streets in a powerful march against child abuse and gender-based violence (GBV), organised by World Vision Eswatini through the Somntongo Area Programme.
The event was a visible demonstration of community solidarity, drawing in learners from surrounding schools in the Shiselweni region, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, officers from the Department of Social Welfare under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, and local leaders.
Children led the march, holding hand-crafted placards with messages that demanded protection and justice, while also educating bystanders about the silent pain endured by many victims of abuse.
The procession, began with chants and songs which served as both a protest and a plea for change, accountability, and a safe future for every liSwati child.
World Vision’s Shiselweni Cluster Manager, Musa Mkhumane, described child abuse as a community-wide crisis with long-lasting consequences. “Children are a product of their environment.
If we allow abuse and neglect to thrive, we are creating a generation filled with anger, bitterness, and trauma,” he said.
Mkhumane further appealed to faith leaders to step up and offer spiritual guidance and emotional refuge to children who feel abandoned or betrayed.
“Let every child know they are loved, not just by people, but by God. That kind of hope can be life-saving,” he added.
Moreover, representing the Department of Social Welfare, Nozipho Shabangu drew attention to the lasting damage inflicted by abuse, stressing that legal action alone cannot heal emotional wounds.
Learners entertaining during the event.
“Even when perpetrators are behind bars, the psychological scars remain. We see it in how survivors battle with emotional regulation, broken trust, and social withdrawal,” she said.
Community leaders who joined the march hailed the initiative for empowering residents to speak up and to begin breaking the silence often surrounding domestic and sexual abuse.
Police officers also used the opportunity to educate young people about reporting abuse, safe spaces, and protective services available to children.
The day was not just about marching but also sharing, learning, and recommitting to the fight against child abuse and GBV.
Informational sessions followed the march, including dialogues between schoolchildren, police officers, and social workers on the importance of reporting, seeking help, and supporting affected peers.
The initiative is one of many under World Vision’s major child protection and advocacy programme, which places children’s rights and safety at the centre of community development.
According to Mkhumane, the organisation believes in strengthening environments where children can grow up without fear and thrive through support, care, and love.
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