Enough is Enough: Newcastle marches for an end to GBV
Newcastle municipality employees took to the streets on Friday (April 4) in a powerful protest against gender-based violence.
The demonstration, sparked by national outcry following the horrific assault of seven-year-old Cwecwe in the Eastern Cape, has again pushed the widespread problem of GBV to the forefront of the country’s focus.
With posters emblazoned with messages that read “End GBV” and “Love Does Not Hurt: held high and voices demanding justice, the protesters made their way from the old municipal building down Scott Street. Leading the march were the Speaker of the Council, Thengi Zulu, and Chief Whip, Zweli Nxumalo , who were clad in black symbolising the sombre mood.
While the march by the municipality was prompted by national events, the situation in the Amajuba district itself remains serious. The district has witnessed several reported and unreported abuse cases and femicide, highlighting the urgent need for collective action.
Marchers referred to the murder of 27-year-old Nokubonga Khumalo further ignited local outrage. Khumalo, a worker at a local eatery, was allegedly stabbed to death by her long-time boyfriend in the early hours of March 28.
Unofficial sources claim the couple, who had children together, had reportedly been in a tumultuous relationship.
The alleged perpetrator appeared in court on April 7, where dozens of young women gathered to demand that he be denied bail.
Khumalo’s murder brought into sharp focus the crisis in the area with Madadeni police station ranking, according to the latest SAPS crime statistics, as the eighth highest in South Africa for cases of assault with grievous bodily harm.
Arguments, misunderstandings, road rage, and provocation are often cited in the released document as contributing factors to these violent incidents, many of which happen in homes.
During the march, Speaker Zulu addressed the crowd, stressing the municipality’s firm stance on ensuring the safety of all its residents, particularly women and children. “We condemn the heinous crimes of GBV and child abuse, and we demand justice for all victims,” he said. Zulu called for the reinstatement of the death penalty for those found guilty of GBV.
The march also saw the participation of N.C. Dube, a representative of the Amajuba District Multiparty Women’s Caucus. Dube emphasized the need for collective action, calling on all sectors of society to unite in the fight against GBV.
“We urge our government, at all levels, to take concrete and decisive action to prevent GBV, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable,” she said.
“Women are not the property of men regardless of whether they support us financially or not. I urge women to report their partners or husbands even when the perpetrator is the breadwinner in your family,” she continued.
The march, according to the municipality served as a reminder that Newcastle is committed to playing its part in the nationwide effort to end the scourge of GBV and child abuse.
It’s vital that everyone in the community plays a part in ending the cycle of violence.
Important numbers for the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre 24hr/7days Emergency Line number – 0800 428 428. This is supported by a USSD, “please call me” facility: *120*7867#. The Centre can refer calls directly to SAPS (10111) and field Social Workers who respond to victims of GBV.
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