Marburg community stands strong against gender-based violence
Women, regardless of race, religion or language deserve to walk on the streets without fear.
The Port Shepstone Hindu Cultural Federation (PSHCF) held a walk in Marburg recently, to unite against gender-based violence.
Many joined in holding placards, from the Big Fresh parking to the Marburg CPF Community Centre, where a memorandum was handed to Port Shepstone Saps.
The memorandum was submitted on behalf of the South Coast community – united in the demand for the safety of mothers, sisters, daughters and wives. It also highlighted concerns such as gaps in GBV response time, commitment from Saps to protect the most vulnerable, reinforcing community partnership in combating GBV, failure to fully record or investigate cases, and insufficient protection for women and children.
It was reported that KwaZulu-Natal remains one of the worst provinces for violence against women, contributing nearly 20% of all rape cases nationally, and recording 7 204 rapes in just the first half of 2025.
At the meeting it was highlighted that communities in Port Shepstone and the greater South Coast region are facing an escalating crisis of domestic violence, sexual assault and rape, child abuse, femicide, intimidation and stalking, emotional, financial and psychological abuse.
A survivor shared her struggle and life story of an abusive relationship of 30 years. She called on women to speak up.
State public prosecutor at Port Shepstone Court, Sohana Moodley said GBV is a national pandemic. “It is a shame that our country has the dubious distinction of having one of the world’s highest levels of violence against women and girls. We must report such crimes instead of looking away or regarding it as not our business.”
The chairperson of PSHCF, DD Naidoo, said silence is no longer an option.
“As a united community we can no longer remain silent while women and children of all races are violated and murdered on our streets and in their homes. Survivors frequently report secondary victimisation, delayed responses, lack of follow-up, mistrust in the justice process, and fear of retaliation from perpetrators. These are not someone else’s statistics – these are our neighbours, our colleagues, our children from every background who are living in fear. “
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