Masimanyane women’s support centre took to the streets to raise awareness about violence and sexual abuse against children and women in Mdantsane yesterday.
The march of about 100 members of the community, led by social worker and public educator Khunjuswa Madikane, was sparked by the recent rape and murder of several women in the vicinity.
“This is part of our everyday mandate – to raise awareness of violence against women – and it’s sad that this happens daily with not enough convictions of the criminals who continue to walk the streets in the community.”
The march started at the White House tavern in NU9, where a woman who had been drinking there one night was found raped and murdered in a nearby veld in the morning. Yesterday’s protest march ended at the NU10 community hall where a dialogue about why men rape and what needs to be done about the crisis ensued.
Nkosinathi Fulani, chairman of Indoda Yokwenyani men’s support group, said alcohol and taverns were the prime causes of abuse.
“We are trying to raise men and boys who can respect women and not abuse them,” he said.
The ward committee member who heads up the portfolio for women and children, Nozuko Blanket, said: “These discussions are coming from the community. They know the problems and how they arise.”
Eastern Cape Liquor Board spokesman Msiya Mgwebi said: “Liquor outlets that operate beyond their trading times can be among the contributing factors to the high levels of crime and abuse in communities, but in the same breath, people need to drink responsibly and engage in other activities, like co-ops and sport to keep themselves busy.”
Mgwebi urged people who know of liquor outlets trading beyond their licence time or suspect anyone selling liquor illegally to report it to the board on the toll free number 0800-000-420. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za