Kempton Park women unite for self-defence class amid safety concerns

Female residents from across Kempton Park gathered at Laerskool Edleen on September 19 for a self-defence class organised by Nathan Brown and Terrence de Klerk of the Norkem Park CPF Sector 1.

The class was aimed at women aged 16 and older and was organised to bring women together, encourage mutual support and teach basic techniques that could potentially help them respond to an attack or dangerous situation.

Younger girls who attended were also shown basic defensive movements appropriate to their age.

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Brown said the idea for the class was driven by the need to empower women in the community and give them an opportunity to learn practical skills while supporting one another.

“My hope was the women would take away confidence and the knowledge of defending yourself, and then also to show everyone our women are not scared of anyone or anything and they will stand up for each other and not make anyone feel alone,” Brown said.

“Women are the backbone of every household and community, and they need to be empowered and know they will be protected at all times and leave the house knowing: ‘I am safe’.”

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Brown and De Klerk enlisted the assistance of a former army member with 28 years of experience to help teach the participants basic self-defence techniques.

The session focused on simple movements intended to build confidence and demonstrate ways of responding to an attacker without relying solely on physical strength.

Participants showed keen interest throughout the session, with many determined to leave with practical skills they could use if faced with a dangerous situation.

Participant Deané de Jager said she attended because she wanted to reduce her fears about the current safety situation in Ekurhuleni and learn something new with a friend.

“I was encouraged to attend the class to help reduce my fear about what is currently happening in Ekurhuleni and to learn something new alongside my friend,” she said.

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“It was also a great opportunity to get out of the house and be surrounded by people who share the same concerns. We learned some very effective escape techniques and the importance of using the correct techniques rather than relying on strength alone.

“One of the biggest lessons was that anyone can defend themselves when they know the right techniques.”

De Jager said she believed similar classes should be organised where possible, noting the strong turnout from women of different ages.

“The turnout showed just how many women, from young girls to elderly ladies, are eager to learn how to protect themselves. It’s not only because of what is happening in Ekurhuleni, but also because we never truly know what someone may be facing behind closed doors,” she said.

Wilmah Kutinyu said her daughter was one of the main reasons she decided to attend.

“What motivated me was my daughter. I decided to come to the self-defence class because of everything that is going on lately,” she said.

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Kutinyu said reports of women’s bodies being found in Ekurhuleni had affected her, particularly the case involving a runner whose age was close to hers and whose daughter was the same age as her own.

“I have learnt a lot and I am grateful to the organisers. At least I know a few tricks and skills to protect myself,” she said.

Another participant, Nelly Rantseli, said she attended because of the difficult circumstances facing women in Ekurhuleni.

She said reports of women being killed had motivated her and other women to attend the class and learn skills that could help them respond to potentially dangerous situations.

Rantseli said she learned several tactics during the session, including techniques for dealing with an attacker and defending herself.

The response to the initiative was strong, with attendees asking when another class would be held.
According to the CPF, plans are already being made for another self-defence day.

The organisers said the aim is to continue creating opportunities for women to learn, support one another and feel more confident about their personal safety.