Kempton Park survivor turns trauma into advocacy against gender-based violence
The 30-year-old thought she would live happily ever after and would never have guessed that her partner would one day make her a bunching bag.
Kempton Park resident Tshepang Musi’s life took a dark turn after what she thought was a dream romance.
The 30-year-old recalls meeting her partner in her first year at college in Pretoria, swept off her feet by his charm.
“He seemed perfect, everything a young woman dreams of in a suitor. If you had asked me then, I would have told you he was nothing short of a dream. The truth, I soon learnt, was that he was a beast in sheep’s clothing,” Tshepang shared.
ALSO READ: Kempton Park joins G20 Women’s Shutdown to honour victims of GBV
Her world changed on Valentine’s Day when she discovered divorce and maintenance papers in his home.
“The man I loved, who had sworn he was single with no children, had a whole other life. When he walked in, there was no explanation, only rage.
“He lost control and started beating me. I tried to play dead, hoping he would stop, but he continued kicking me.
“Then, in a horrific act, he sprayed me with a hosepipe,” she recalled.Despite the abuse, her partner continued a cycle of manipulation, alternating violence with displays of tenderness.
Tshepang described being coerced and terrorised, at one point being attacked with a taser and left unconscious in a cemetery, where she was further victimised.
“My breakthrough wasn’t a single moment; it was waking up and realising that my life was not over. My body survived what was meant to destroy it, and my spirit chose to fight. That was the beginning of my true life,” Tshepang said.
ALSO READ: Olifantsfontein Clinic hosts EMPD awareness drive on GBV, child abuse
Today, Tshepang is a voice for survivors of GBV. She encourages women living in fear to seek help, “Your life is sacred, and your heart is not a punching bag.
You are not alone, and you are not responsible for his violence. Find your voice, find your exit, and embrace your future. You deserve peace, respect and love that uplifts you.”
She emphasised the significance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 21.
“It’s a collective roar for all the voices that have been silenced. When people take to the streets, they are saying, ‘We see you, Tshepang. We believe you. We demand justice’.”
Tshepang credits Tshegofatsa Rona, an organisation that provides counselling, skills development and empowerment for survivors, with supporting her journey to financial independence and healing.
ALSO READ: Kempton Park communities unite at 5th annual GBV Fun Walk
Cynthia Dinalane, the founder, explained the organisation’s mission, “I started this organisation because women and children are raped and killed every day. They have nowhere to go and no one to support them. We aim to give hope to the hopeless, be a voice for the voiceless and care for those facing GBV.”
Dinalane highlighted the importance of rehabilitation and empowerment for survivors. She said her motivation comes from seeing lives changed.
“Those words give me courage and strength to do more, they keep me going.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand the organisation to accommodate more women, create shelters for abused men and secure greater government support.
“If I could be president for a day, I would ensure harsh sentences for perpetrators. Every minute a woman or child is abused is too long, and that the spirit of ubuntu is practised so that we respect, love and appreciate one another,” Dinalane said.
