Northriding community holds candlelight vigil against gender-based violence
Residents gathered in Northriding to pray for the families of nine murdered women and demand an end to gender-based violence in local communities.
Northriding residents gathered at the Villa Amanzi complex gate on Saturday evening to light candles and pray for nine murdered women.
The 17:00 candlelight vigil was organised by resident Ketso Moorosi, a clinical and forensic psychologist and director of KJM Health Wellness. She said the community came together to pray for the families of the nine women found recently in Ekurhuleni, and described the turnout as an overwhelming support.
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Moorosi said children were among those who attended. “The children were here supporting all the children who lost their mothers,” she said, adding that men also stood with women against these evil perpetrators.
She said the vigil delivered a message to the nation that citizens are tired of gender-based violence, noting that women and children are no longer safe in their own homes, complexes, or streets.
Moorosi noted that abuse often occurs behind closed doors, stressing that gender-based violence happens in private spaces and saying residents took part as concerned South Africans.
She urged victims of abuse to speak up, noting that the abuser is often someone they know. “It can be your brother, your husband, your uncle,” she said. “Please report it. Don’t stay and die alone in your own home, in your little corner, and then you suffer alone. There is help out there.”
Moorosi added that assistance is available from social workers, psychologists, and places of safety, or through a neighbour, friend, colleague, or workplace.
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She also offered a message to the victims’ families, saying their loss and pain are shared by the community and assuring them of ongoing prayers to find strength to bury their loved ones with dignity.
Remembering the women, she noted they were young people who wanted to live, including mothers, sisters, nieces, wives, and breadwinners, reiterating that the community stands with them.
Moorosi said the vigil was the community’s way of showing significant support so the families know they are not alone.
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