The women of eMalahleni showed a united front in the stand against GBVF, supported by the men who said they refuse to have women suffer and die in their names.
The streets of eMalahleni went silent for a moment as the women of eMalahleni joined the South African nation in the G20 Women’s Shutdown organised to demand an end to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Led by GBV survivor and activist Abongile Mcoki, alongside Nompumelelo Skosana, on November 21, eMalahleni heroines, joined by men who said they refuse for women to suffer in their names, ruled the streets in the CBD area as they marched in unity, demanding an end to the abuse and killing of women and children in the country. In one voice, they chanted ‘Enough Is Enough’.
“We wanted everyone to come and join us as we stand in solidarity in the fight against GBVF,” said Mcoki, who is also a founder of the All Voices Matter organisation, adding that though the community of eMalahleni came in numbers, there were still leaders who declined their invitation.
The march formed part of a campaign initiated by Women For Change calling for GBVF to be declared a national disaster, and although President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it a national crisis in a speech on November 20, the women were not satisfied.
“We are not happy with the president’s response, and we will continue to fight until GBVF is declared a national disaster, because only then will it receive the attention it really requires,” Mcoki said.
The united community met at the Long Distance Taxi Rank Park and marched slowly to King George Park, where they observed a moment of silence in honour of every woman who is abused and murdered daily in Mzansi. Not only that, the brief meeting also provided a safe space for survivors to share their stories without fear or shame.
“We are survivors, not victims,” the women said.
The organisers were happy with the outcome and how the community of eMalahleni responded to the march.
“We strongly commend everyone who spared their time to join in the good fight, and everyone who contributed to its success. We really hope that our voices will be heard,” Mcoki concluded.
I easily adapt from behind the computer to behind the lens, bringing you all the heartfelt stories from the heart of eMalahleni. My work is a reflection what is happening in and around the City of Coal. Not a day goes by that I am not amazed by the career I chose. It's a privilege to document the city's happenings, from the inspiring triumphs to the everyday struggles.
