Springs-based Badgers Group employees took part in a silent walk to honour and support those affected by recent acts of violence against women in Kempton Park and Kwa-Thema, on September 16.

Dressed in black, the participants walked through Selcourt without speaking a word.

The group shared with the Springs Advertiser that their silence carried a clear message: violence against women has no place in our homes, workplaces or communities – and creating safer communities requires everyone to stand together.

“This was more than a walk. It was an opportunity for us to stand together and allow our actions to speak and affirm that violence against women has no place in our society,” said Road Protect’s Rob Inglis.

The group said that the silence during the walk created space for reflection, remembrance and support while recognising the profound weight of tragedies for which words alone were not enough.

The group added that it also served as a reminder that silence during the walk did not mean remaining silent when confronted by abuse, threatening behaviour or violence.

“Walking together in silence allowed us to send a powerful message: we all have a role to play in standing against violence toward women, and meaningful change begins when people unite, take responsibility and help create communities in which everyone can feel safe,” said Ryan Hynes of ForSure Insurance Brokers.

The group shared that during the walk there was the belief that everyone deserves a soft landing – a place of safety, care and support during times of fear, vulnerability or hardship.

The group explained that soft landings are not created by one organisation alone but are created when neighbours, families, colleagues and communities look out for one another, listen without judgement and take action when someone may be at risk.

The group added that creating safer communities requires ongoing awareness, compassion and collective action.

“Our silence was not passive. We took a visible stand -in solidarity with those who had suffered, in remembrance of lives lost and in support of every person who deserves to feel safe,” said African Independent Brokers’ Kedi Maponyane.

In light of recent incidents, women are encouraged to avoid walking or running alone, particularly in isolated areas.

Where possible, they should choose well-frequented routes and travel or exercise in groups.

The group emphasised the message of the walk was simple: “Walking in silence. Standing together against violence. Women deserve to feel safe.”

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