Crawford College Sandton learners unite in tribute to nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni
Learners and staff dressed in black and wore purple ribbons as they gathered to support mourning families and call for an end to violence.
The discovery of the bodies of nine women across Ekurhuleni has sent shockwaves through local communities, leading learners and staff at Crawford International Sandton College to stand together in remembrance and solidarity.
The school community gathered on September 18, dressed in black and wearing purple awareness ribbons, to pay tribute to women who have lost their lives to violence and support families mourning their loved ones.
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The gathering followed confirmation by police of the discovery of a woman’s body in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on September 17. The woman was found partially naked, with police saying preliminary indications suggested her body had been dumped at the scene. The discovery brought the number of women whose bodies have been found across Ekurhuleni recently to nine.
While police have not confirmed that all nine deaths are connected, or that a single perpetrator is responsible, police have described similarities between some of the cases as concerning. A multidisciplinary team has been deployed to investigate the deaths.
Crawford International Sandton College principal Tracey Purkiss said the recent incidents were a devastating reminder of the need for communities to speak out. “We have gathered to create awareness for the atrocity that is happening in our country. Women are losing their lives daily and the recent events have indicated and highlighted the devastating loss that is occurring around us,” Purkiss said.
She said the decision to wear black was intended to remember the women who had died and show support to families going through what she described as a traumatic and terrible time. “By standing our ground together and by educating our boys on the way that women should be treated, we hope to eventually eradicate gender-based violence in our country and in our world.” Purkiss added that the Crawford community stood together because women’s lives matter.
One of the learners, Kimiya Ghaheri, said the discovery of the nine bodies had left the school community deeply concerned. “Our school has decided enough is enough. Today, our students are wearing black in mourning and solidarity with the rest of the nation,” she said.
Purple awareness ribbons were handed out to students during the morning, with Ghaheri saying they would continue wearing them beyond the gathering to spread awareness. “Firstly, because we are in a position of privilege, our students are largely sheltered from a lot of what happens in the world, but secondly because everything starts amongst the youth,” Ghaheri said.
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Quoting poet June Jordan, she added: “We are the ones we have been waiting for.” Ghaheri said the message was particularly relevant to young people who could help shape a future where women are treated with dignity and respect.
Another learner, Sienna Peter, also used the gathering to express her support for women’s rights. “As a young woman teenager, I support women’s rights. May the souls of these women who have passed away rest in peace and in dignity,” she said.
The school’s action comes as the Ekurhuleni investigation continues to dominate national attention. Police have increased operations and visibility in affected areas, while authorities have appealed for information that could help identify the victims and establish what happened to them.
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