Hope as Alex sees January with no reports of GBVF
Thusong Youth Centre based Self-defense instructor shares her ideal for a year of no gender-based violence in Alexandra, welcoming a peaceful January.
In embracing the New Year over January, community members are urged to recall that December was a month which began with the observation of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
Read more: Can knowledge of self be the cure to GBVF in Alex?
Local anti-GBVF activist, and self-defense instructor at Thusong Youth Centre, Thumeka Joos said that no cases of domestic violence had reached her office thus far in 2025. She admitted, on January 24, however, that she had to wait until her group’s first dialogue circle on January 29 to learn if anybody has had a hard time at home this January.
On December 4, Joos had been a part of an orange brigade of Alex activists and residents that marched from the Thusong Youth Centre to Alex San Kopano Resource Centre in protest against GBVF in their collective community.
Convenor Ethan Madula said that the colour orange was symbolic of the campaign representing a brighter future without violence.
Also read: Ward 75 is hotbed of GBVF in Alex
“The message we want to convey is that abuse is never acceptable, and that there is help available for those who are suffering,” Madula said. “We urge those who are abusive to seek help, and to change their behaviour. Our message is one of hope, support, and empowerment for survivors of abuse.”
Participating activist Tabile Molefe said that Alexandra belonged to every member of the community, including men and children.
“If we can stop this thing of segregating men from women, and understand that we are all human, then we will be able to fight this pandemic,” Molefe said, encouraging unity. “I have been on the receiving end of violence. In my occupation, I receive many clients who have been impacted by gender-based violence as well. Alexandra is a community for everyone: from members of the LGBTQ+ community, to people living with disabilities. There are many in the community whom we represent by doing something different from the common during these 16 days.”
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Related article: Call to end the scourge of GBVF in Alex
