By Phila-Nathi Mapisa
“Until South Africa stops burying a woman every 2.5 hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress.” This is the message from Women For Change, an organisation leading the movement for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) to be declared a national disaster in South Africa.
The movement has painted the country purple, with organisations, brands and social media profile pictures turning purple to spread awareness. Women For Change is calling for a national boycott on Friday 21 November, where women and members of the LGBTQI+ community refrain from contributing to the South African economy.
Why this matters in Makana
Makana has held its fair share of marches against gender-based violence this year, painting a clear picture of the reality we face in our city. In the first three months of this year alone, these are the crime statistics, with most of these offences affecting women and children:
Joza Police Station:
- 109 cases of common assault
- 16 sexual offences
- 14 rapes
- 11 cases of crimen injuria
- 4 murders
- 4 kidnappings
- 2 attempted murders
- 1 sexual assault
Makhanda Police Station:
- 77 cases of common assault
- 15 sexual offences
- 13 cases of crimen injuria
- 8 rapes
- 4 sexual assaults
- 3 murders
- 1 kidnapping
These statistics were confirmed by Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, SAPS Police Spokesperson.
Silent march this Friday
This afternoon [Friday 14 November] the Makana community will hold a silent march concerning a 16-year-old girl who was raped at the Albany lounge, an unused building that has become a crime hotspot.
Petition nears 1 million signatures
As of Wednesday, the petition calling for GBVF to be declared a national disaster has gathered 953 601 verified signatures. The petition can be found on the Women For Change website or here
Resources for survivors
If you or someone you know needs help:
SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) Grahamstown
- Contact: Captain Sangotsha
- Phone: 072 740 2567
- Email: SangotshaN@saps.gov.za
