In Cape Town, a human chain was formed to show support for victims and survivors of genderbased violence (GBV). The Western Cape Government has pledged to continue fighting GBV all year round and has trained community ambassadors to be the first line of defense against GBV. People are encouraged to take personal responsibility in fighting GBV and to make changes within their communities. Victims and survivors can receive help through the Department of Social Development’s tollfree number or by sending an SMS.
Siya Kolisi, a renowned rugby player from South Africa, is committed to philanthropy and raising awareness about genderbased violence. He uses his influence to inspire positive change in his community, rather than turning to politics. Kolisi’s dedication stems from personal experience, as his aunt and mother suffered from abuse. He believes in the healing power of conversation and has used his success in sports to unite people across his country. Ultimately, Kolisi’s unwavering commitment to social justice and community welfare makes him an inspirational figure both on and off the rugby grounds.
Father a Nation, a nonprofit organization in South Africa, is working to promote healthy masculinity and empower men to become exceptional fathers, mentors, and role models. During the 16 Days of Activism, they will host workshops to educate men about genderbased violence and equip them with the skills they need to embody positive masculinity. By challenging misconceptions and fostering empathy and responsibility, Father a Nation hopes to help heal men and in turn, heal the world.
June Steenkamp’s victim impact statement at Oscar Pistorius’s parole hearing serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of genderbased violence. The premature death of her daughter, Reeva, created a painful void in her family’s dreams, and June remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice and women’s safety. Reeva, who embodied optimism and dreams, was a model and an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, but her own aspirations were tragically cut short. Despite her profound grief and loss, June’s unwavering strength and resilience serve as a testament to her love for her daughter and her dedication to preserving her memory.
Thembinkosi Lorch’s Case: A Postponed Verdict and a Battle Towards Ending Gender-Based Violence
Thembinkosi Lorch, a popular soccer player in South Africa, received a threeyear sentence for assaulting his former girlfriend. However, the sentence was postponed for five years, with conditions that he must stay clear of any convictions related to assault with the intent to inflict serious bodily harm. He was also fined R100,000, which will be directly remitted to a GBV organization. Lorch’s case highlights the issue of genderbased violence and the need to eliminate it.
A vicious act of genderbased violence occurred at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town when a female student was stabbed by her husband, who is also a student. Social media was flooded with videos of the attack, which caused outrage across the country. Male students reacted by attacking the perpetrator, and the victim was rushed to the hospital. The university administration and political parties responded with denouncements and calls for action against genderbased violence.
Mountains of Change: How Angela Yeung’s Everest Expedition Tackles Gender-Based Violence
Angela Yeung, a Johannesburg entrepreneur and social activist, has been raising awareness about genderbased violence (GBV) in South Africa through her daring mountain expeditions. Her latest venture involved climbing Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighthhighest peak in the Himalayas, and displaying 6,200 bras at Constitution Hill to symbolize the widespread issue of GBV.
South Africa is taking steps to address the high rate of genderbased violence (GBV) in its higher education sector. The Department of Higher Education and Training is working with organizations like Higher Health to implement sustainable systems and controls while also targeting men and boys through initiatives like the Transforming MENtalities Summit to modify their attitudes and behavior towards women and girls. Addressing GBV requires a comprehensive approach that targets social, cultural, and structural factors alongside relationships between men and women.
In South Africa, genderbased violence and femicide are pervasive issues that continue to plague university campuses across the nation. The brutal murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a young student at the University of Cape Town, serves as a stark reminder of the deeply entrenched issues that need to be addressed urgently.
In today’s world, the global movement against genderbased violence (GBV) is gaining momentum. However, the brutal assault on 25yearold Zizipho Nikita Kalubi serves as a somber reminder of the persisting danger faced by women in their everyday lives. Kalubi, hailing from Somerset West, endured an unthinkable act of violence after reportedly rejecting a man’s unwarranted advances in Khayelitsha. The fateful encounter unfolded on a Saturday afternoon as Kalubi and her boyfriend were returning from running errands.
A recent 90year sentence handed down to a child rapist in South Africa is a victory for child protection and the eradication of genderbased violence. The success of this case highlights the dedication and commitment of law enforcement in the region, and serves as a testament to the prioritization of women and children’s safety in the area.
Thapelo Edwin Mojaki, a 41yearold man from North West, South Africa, was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his pregnant wife, an incident that highlights the ongoing struggle against genderbased violence (GBV). The tragic event took place on October 9, 2022, in Kolong village near Taung, forever changing the lives of the couple’s two teenage children.
The recent release of Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, the attackers of Alison Botha, on parole has triggered widespread dismay and disbelief among many South Africans. Convicted of brutally raping and stabbing Alison, the two men were released after serving 28 years in prison for their heinous crimes. Alison’s story is a reminder of the rampant sexual violence in South Africa and the urgent need for a more effective approach to addressing genderbased violence in the country.
Genderbased violence is a pervasive issue that plagues our society. However, amidst the darkness, stories such as Alison Botha’s rise as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Alison’s story is one that needs to be examined and celebrated as it offers a glimpse into the incredible power of survival and the drive to fight for justice.
DJ Maphorisa, also known as Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, is a prominent figure in the South African entertainment industry, thanks to his musical talents and his tumultuous relationship with actress Thuli Phongolo. Their relationship took a turn for the worse when Thuli accused DJ Maphorisa of assaulting her during an argument, leading to a genderbased violence case. The case has sparked controversy and discussion in the country.
Orlando Pirates, a renowned Premier Soccer League (PSL) team, has recently received backlash on social media for their statement regarding Thembinkosi Lorch’s conviction for assaulting his exgirlfriend, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala. Lorch, a star player for the team, was found guilty by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for the incident that occurred in September 2020. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 23.