Download PDFSouth Africa continues to grapple with the rising crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), murder, and disappearances, with women and children disproportionately affected.
Public outrage over these crimes intensified in 2025, particularly after news broke of the brutal sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl on 28 March. In response, thousands of South Africans took to the streets and online platforms, demanding justice for the young victim, Cwecwe, who was allegedly assaulted at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.
These protests served as a symbol of solidarity with all GBV survivors. Among the cases that resurfaced was that of Tshegofatso Pule, a pregnant 28-year-old woman murdered in 2020. She was found hanging from a tree in Durban Deep, Roodepoort, with a bullet wound in her chest. Investigations later revealed that her boyfriend, Ntuthuko Shoba, had orchestrated her killing. These horrific incidents underscore a chilling reality— the safety of women and children in South Africa remains precarious.
Stories of Survival Amid Fear
In Palmridge, Ekurhuleni, community members insist that more must be done to protect and support GBV survivors. One such survivor, a 17-year-old girl, recounts her distressing experience of being raped by her uncle, a man she had once trusted.
“I first noticed his strange behavior when he began making inappropriate comments about my outfits. Then one night, while I was sleeping on the couch, my life changed forever. He raped me and later threatened to kill me if I spoke out. I live in fear because my perpetrator walks free,” she confesses.
Beyond the physical and emotional trauma, she also faces social isolation and blame from her own family. Instead of receiving support, she is condemned for the violence inflicted upon her.
“I have social anxiety and struggle in school. I often remain quiet because of the anger I have toward men. My wounds may never heal,” said the teenager.
Despite her pain, she has found purpose in advocacy, expressing her desire to become a lawyer to defend the voiceless and vulnerable.
The Medical Reality of GBV
Healthcare workers bear witness to the devastating impact of GBV. Sr. N. Dlangamandla, a medical practitioner at MRA Aesthetic and Palmridge Clinic, east of Johannesburg, frequently treats victims bearing bruises, severe injuries, or internal trauma.
“I recently treated a rape survivor who had no external evidence of assault on her clothing-but internally, her injuries told the story. Swelling, discolouration of the skin from bleeding, and deep wounds revealed the brutality of her attack,” she explained.
Alarmingly, some victims arrive at clinics accompanied by their abusers, unable to speak freely about their experiences. Many seek approval from their perpetrators before responding to questions, a clear indicator of coercion and psychological manipulation.
Dlangamandla further highlights the urgent need for improved referral systems for GBV survivors in Palmridge and South Africa broadly, as delays in medical attention often worsen their suffering.
The Larger Picture
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 35% of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence, whether by an intimate partner or someone else. The reality in South Africa reflects this grim statistic, with many survivors still waiting for justice.
Often, perpetrators are close family members or trusted individuals, leaving victims trapped in cycles of abuse with nowhere to turn. This is especially true for victims who are also economically dependent on their abusers. The consequences extend beyond personal trauma, leading to mental health struggles, social withdrawal, and lasting psychological wounds.
Government Intervention and Ongoing Challenges
The South African government has introduced new laws to curb GBV, including the establishment of the National Council of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. This multi-disciplinary initiative seeks to protect women and children, yet challenges remain.
Low reporting rates and even lower conviction rates pose significant obstacles, as survivors fear retaliation, stigma, and disbelief. The justice system continues to grapple with the difficulty of proving GBV cases, often leaving victims without legal recourse.
The Call to Action
Violence against women is not just a personal issue; it’s a violation of human rights and a systemic failure. Whether through physical abuse, sexual harassment, emotional manipulation, or economic control, these injustices erode families, communities, and society itself.
No woman should live in fear. Yet many live in fear, afraid to speak out, unsupported by the institutions meant to protect them. This crisis demands immediate and collective action.
We must listen to survivors while holding abusers accountable. We must collectively challenge harmful societal norms, not missing those classified as cultural and the religious norms that do not serve anything progressive in society today. We have to demand complete systemic reforms.
Every home, school, workplace, and community have a role to play in ending GBV. The time for silence is over—it’s time for change.
This revised version enhances clarity, coherence, and emotional impact while maintaining the integrity of your original piece. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements.
This article is an amalgam of various submissions by FAJs around Gauteng and the Western Cape. The various articles were submitted between April and May 2025. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
