A candlelight memorial for a victim of gender-based violence was held in the Mkhancwa informal settlement on June 15.

The event was attended by Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi, and Mary Mazibuko from the Department of Community Safety’s GBV Brigade.

As previously reported by the Brakpan Herald, a man was arrested on a charge of murder in the settlement, which is situated near Maryvlei, on May 31 after the body of a woman was discovered inside a shack.

Emergency services personnel were already on the scene when police arrived, and the victim was declared deceased.

The responding officer entered the shack and found the woman lying on a bed, facing upwards. She had sustained an injury to her forehead.

“The service was held inside the shack where the deceased victim was reportedly assaulted until she lost her life, by an adult male said to be her boyfriend,” said Buthelezi.

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Mazibuko stated that gender-based violence is a pandemic, and community members should stand up united and join forces with stakeholders to tackle it.

Buthelezi highlighted the importance of reporting GBV-related issues within communities. She further encouraged men and women to stop the thinking “where will I go?” and “who will feed my children?” because it demonstrates laziness and vulnerability.

Buthelezi encouraged men and women of Mkhancwa to rise up and learn skills to develop themselves so that they can become financially independent and stop relying on abusive partners who may one day end their lives

“Gender-based violence and femicide (GBV&F) is not a “women’s issue.” It is not a private matter. It is a human crisis,” said Buthelezi.

“Every three hours, a woman is murdered in our country. Every day, children grow up watching violence become normal.

“Every silence after the headlines makes it easier for the next attack to happen.”

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According to Buthelezi, the following factors contribute to the ongoing prevalence of GBV:

• Silence: We look away because it’s uncomfortable. We say, “It’s not my business.”
• Norms: Boys are told “real men don’t cry” and “take what you want.” Girls are told “be quiet” and “don’t provoke him.”

“Culture is made by us, and it can be changed by us,” said Buthelezi.

• Systems: When police don’t take cases seriously, when courts take years, and when shelters are full.
  Buthelezi outlined several measures that can be taken to address GBV&F:
• Believe survivors: The first response should never be “what were you wearing?” or “are you sure?” It should be “I believe you. How can I help?”.
• Challenge it early: If your friend makes a sexist joke, call it out. If your brother is controlling his girlfriend, talk to him. Violence starts with disrespect.
• Know your rights: The Domestic Violence Act protects you. There are Thuthuzela Care Centres and the GBV Command Centre, which can be contacted on 0800 428 428. Use them. Share them.
• Boys and men must be raised to respect consent, knowing strength means protection, not power. Intervene when you see something wrong.
• Don’t look away: If you hear your neighbour screaming, call the police on 10111. One call can save a life.

“Every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and love. Your voice matters. Your action matters. Change doesn’t start with awareness.

“It starts when you decide that in your home, in your friend group, in your street, violence stops with you,” said Buthelezi.