By ‘Odidi Matai-Sigudla Many Makhandans are still not aware that the town has its very own Safe House for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and women who have secured protection orders against abusive people. The Makhanda Safe House is a National Safe House project, funded by the Department of Social Development as a safe space for abused women and children to run to. The house has been available to these women and children since 2009. Victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV), and victims who have filed a case or protection order often use the home as a temporary solace or…
Author: 'Odidi
Read More
By ‘Odidi Matai-Sigudla The Makana Civil Community Coalition (MCCC) has petitioned the Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Ronald Lamola to stop the Makhanda High Court from being moved to Bhisho. MCCC chairperson, Dr Mpumezo Noel Hope Ngesi and the MCCC’s spokesperson, Likhanya Ngqezana, sent a letter to Lamola on 29 March to voice the MCCC’s objection to the High Court being moved. They implored Lamola, who set up the Courts Rationalizations Committee, and Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Mosenke, who chairs the committee that has proposed the move, to hear the voices of Makhanda. “We position ourselves as a platform upon…
By ‘Odidi Matai-Sigudla While others would say I am a shy, introverted girl who works hard, I would say I am an overly ambitious person who fully intends to achieve her goals (otherwise known as dreams), and most probably desperately needs a reality check. I was born 23 years ago and raised by my grandparents in a small Lokshini (township) called Khayamandi in Stellenbosch. I later moved in permanently with my parents in Kraaifontein during my early primary school years. Because of this, the foundation of who I am is mainly based on the teachings of my grandparents. Through my…
By ‘Odidi Matai-Sigudla On 16 March, the Unemployed People’s Movement (UPM) and the Isikhalo Womxn’s Movement against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) came together at the Makhanda magistrate’s court to support a young woman who was raped 11 months ago, but has yet to see the alleged rapist go to trial. “In the old days, we used to be more in tune with our communities. If we heard a cry, it became my problem, it became our problem. Your pain became ours”, said UPM chairperson Mahlubandi Hlubi “Rhadi” Kuhlane, explaining why the UPM came out to support the victim. Tension…