Download PDFSouth African women and children are experiencing Gender Base Violence (GBV) on a daily basis.
On 27 March 2023 we went to the streets of Makhanda to get views from people about Gender-Based Violence. Vuyani Thandani from Extension 1 Joza, Makhanda, who works as a security officer at the Grahamstown Magistrate court said, “The number of GBV cases in the court escalates each day.” Mr Thandani feels like the justice system is failing people and now many are resorting to anti–crime or neighbourhood watches for assistance in cases of GBV.
Lwazi Nyakazo, a woman who is in her mid-30s, is no stranger to GBV, she mentioned that as a street vendor working at a taxi rank, she feels violated everyday. Men always have something to say even about the way she dresses, they make all sorts of uncomfortable comments.
Nyakazo also feels like the justice system is failing as well. She said, “There is no use in reporting the matter to the police because the person [responsible] would be arrested today but out in the [next] morning.”
Lastly, were two postgraduate students, Okuhle Baqwana (22) and Resego Remohang 24. Both these young women were emotional at the subject of GBV. Resigo said, “I’ve been living and experienced abuse since growing up as my father would beat my mother.” She believes that even culture has a huge role in GBV because every time her mom would be beaten up the family would sit her down and advise her not to lay charge or leave her husband since their culture prohibits that.
South Africa has a huge role to play in fighting GBV.
This article was submitted on 28 March 2023. 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.
