As Women’s Month is celebrated in South Africa in August, universities in the Western Cape have joined forces to prioritize women’s safety on campus. This initiative was prompted by a research report released by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), revealing that female students face a heightened risk of sexual victimization. The study found that one in five women at public universities and technical colleges have experienced sexual assault.
The Madadeni Regional Court in Newcastle, South Africa, has set a significant precedent in protecting women and children from sexual violence by handing down a groundbreaking decision. On May 4, 2023, the court sentenced Muziwami Zwane, a 45yearold man, to three life imprisonment terms for raping three women in separate incidents in November 2019. Additionally, he received nine years for kidnapping and six years for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The court’s landmark ruling emphasizes that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated, and that the justice system stands firmly behind the victims.
South Africa’s criminal justice system is failing victims of sexual offenses, and this problem is even more pronounced in schools. Sexual bullying in schools is a pressing issue that demands proactive measures to ensure that all learners are safe and free to learn. AfriForum has taken up the challenge, launching an antibully campaign aimed at providing resources and support for schools, educators, parents, and students.
