A wave of outrage swept across South Africa as thousands protested in major cities, including Pretoria and Cape Town, demanding action against gender-based violence.
The demonstrations were sparked by the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl at her school in Matatiele, which was only reported a month later. The protesters, dressed in black, held placards condemning rape and violence against women and children, calling on the government to declare gender-based violence a national crisis and impose harsher sentences on those convicted.
Reigning Miss South Africa Mia le Roux joined the protests, emphasizing the need for government intervention. “I’m here because I want to add my voice to the voices of all these women that are gathered here today because we have decided that enough is enough,” she said. “We are hearing too many stories of our sisters being hurt, and I want our leaders to know that this is really a national disaster.”
Activist Themba Masango, leader of Not In My Name, urged men to take responsibility and lead the fight against gender-based violence. This call to action is crucial, as statistics show that nearly two-thirds of rapes in South Africa occur in the perpetrator or victim’s home.
The Alarming Statistics
– 11,803 rapes reported, with nearly two-thirds occurring in homes
– Sexual assault and contact sexual assault cases increased from October to December last year
– Only a 3% decline in rape and attempted sexual offenses during the same period
The mother of the 7-year-old girl expressed her frustration with the justice system, highlighting the need for change. The protests echo a larger movement in South Africa, where women and girls are demanding action to end gender-based violence. As Lindi Dlamini, CEO of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund, noted, “Men must be part of the conversation in order to become part of the solution.”
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