A Case of Mutual Aid: Community-Driven Approach Ensuring Women and Children are Protected - Karibu

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What is a ‘Walking Bus’

The Walking Bus Project is a community initiative for learners in Cape Town communities that are ridden by gang-related activity, where groups of children walk to and from school together under the supervision of parents and adult volunteers from a broader community. This project aims to provide a safe and healthy way for children to travel to and from school, imitating the structure of a traditional bus route with designated “stops” where children can join or leave the group.

A walking bus was designed to provide a safe and healthy way for children to travel to and from school, imitating the structure of a traditional bus route with designated “stops” where children can join or leave the group. Children are excited and eager to walk to school and members of the Walking Bus keep a close eye on children. The walking bus projects also prevents children from bringing drugs and weapons to school, members also have been helpful in ensuring that no drugs or weapons are accessed in the school grounds. This is done by searching and checking learners at the school gates, in the presence of law enforcement officers, as well as during the walk to school. In many occasions, drugs and weapons have been uncovered by the Walking Bus members on duty.

Who organises the walking us?

The organisation of a walking bus involves parents and community members planning routes and schedules. Volunteers, are often parents or community members and they take turns walking with the children. The route is carefully planned to ensure it is safe and direct, these volunteers attend training to handle emergencies and ensure children follow safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing streets. Children join the walking bus at designated stops along the route and walk together to school, with the same process followed for the journey home after school.

The walking bus benefits multiple community members. Children gain a safe way to travel to school, learn pedestrian safety, and benefit from physical exercise and importantly parents feel reassured about their children’s safety during their walk to and from school.

The Walking Bus Approach and Training

The Walking Bus Project is open to all screened community members who have made huge contribution in their ability to ensure that children are safe on their journey to and from school, there is a process whereby police clearance is requested and other personal details are checked before a person can become a Walking Bus volunteer. Different workshops such as first aid and road safety training and conflict resolutions are held throughout the year to help the Walking Bus members to deal with any situation they may face and to overcome in their daily challenges.

By this project the community encourages a sense of responsibility, reduces traffic congestion, and lessens environmental impact that is produced by car exhaust fumes. Schools see improved attendance and punctuality as children arrive together and on time. Generally, a walking bus is a community driven project to ensure children’s safety and encourages community engagement.

Another inspiring move to keep communities safe is the organisation of men using vuvuzela to keep women safe in Soweto.

Origins and Motivation

A group of men in Soweto has taken it upon themselves to ensure that women are protected as they travel to and from public transport. This project started in 2019 and sees men walking women to their taxis, buses, and trains, armed with the sound of the vuvuzela. The project came out of growing concerns for women’s safety in the community. Incidents of harassment, assault and Gender Bases Violence (GBV) became an every day thing in the community, leaders including young and old men decided that action was necessary. Sipho Nkosi, a community activist in Soweto said that they couldn’t sit back and watch women live in fear, men needed to find a way to ensure their safety and restore their confidence in moving around our community.

The Role of the Vuvuzela

The vuvuzela, a traditional South African horn known for its loud sound used in soccer stadiums, has become the symbol and tool of this project. When women call for assistance or if the men spot any suspicious activity, they blow the vuvuzelas calling others chasing away potential attackers. The noise draws attention but also signals that the community is awake, vigilant and ready to respond to any threat.

How It Works

Every morning and evening, groups of men position themselves around the community and at key points around Soweto’s busiest transport hubs. They accompany women from their homes to the nearest taxi ranks, bus stops, and train stations. The men walk in groups, ensuring a strong and reassuring presence. If any danger arises, the vuvuzelas are blown, and the community quickly mobilizes to support women in need.

Community Impact

The presence of these men and their vuvuzelas has had a big positive impact in the community. Women in the area report feeling safer and more confident when travelling to and from work.

Local resident Thandeka Mthembu said, “Knowing that there are men looking out for us and ready to step in if something goes wrong makes a huge difference. It’s a powerful message that we are not alone.”

The walking bus project and men in Soweto believe that with collective action and a focus on solidarity, it is possible to create safer environments for everyone, these projects are a true definition of the power of community action. These projects are not only protecting women and children but are creating a culture of unity, solidarity and care within their community.

This article was compiled by Viwe Mazwana and submitted on 24 June 2024.
Sources used to compile this article: