Calls for a stronger, coordinated response to GBV
As the country prepares to mark Women's Month, we speak to Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, talks about government's response and what concrete plans are in place to tackle these horrific crimes.
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The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Women's month: Vital safety tips for women and girls in Merafong
Women in Merafong continue to face serious safety threats, both at home and in public spaces. In one of the latest incidents, a 29-year-old Mozambican woman was kidnapped from her home in the Elijah Barayi mega housing complex near Carletonville on Thursday evening, July 25. Unfortunately, Merafong is not alone in these struggles. National crime statistics consistently show that women are disproportionately affected by crime, including kidnapping, gender-based violence, and theft. As South Africa marks Women's Month this August, it's more important than ever to have open conversations about safety and equip women with practical tools to protect themselves. 'We cannot ignore the everyday challenges women face when it comes to personal safety,' says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group. 'We need to continue shining a light on this issue and provide women with empowering tools – not only this month but all year round.' Top safety tips for women this women's month Tell someone where you're going: Always inform a trusted friend or family member of your whereabouts. It's a simple habit that can save your life. Be cautious at ATMs and public places: Avoid isolated or dimly lit ATMs, especially after hours. Stay alert in malls, parking lots, and banks. Stay alert while driving: Keep your doors locked and be aware of your surroundings, especially at intersections or when stopped in traffic. Hide your phone while driving: Avoid handling your phone in the car. Rather wait until you're safely parked to respond to messages. Be aware when arriving home: Scan your surroundings for suspicious people or vehicles before entering your property. If unsure, drive around the block or call for backup from your security provider. Keep emergency numbers on speed dial: Program emergency services and trusted contacts into your phone. In a crisis, every second counts. Use technology to stay safe Hattingh also highlights the importance of mobile panic buttons and security apps offered by Fidelity and other providers. These tools allow women to call for help instantly when facing danger. 'Safety is not just a women's issue – it's a community responsibility,' Hattingh adds. 'Let's use Women's Month to start meaningful conversations, raise awareness, and stand united to protect the women and girls of South Africa.'
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Tragic start to Women's Month: 53-year-old woman found dead in domestic dispute
Mandilakhe Tshwete | Published 1 day ago As Women's Month commenced on Friday, a 53-year-old woman was found dead in her home in Browns Farm, Philippi, following an alleged domestic dispute. The woman was allegedly beaten to death by her husband after a drunken altercation the night before. A community member said, 'The husband left for work on Friday morning after assaulting the victim throughout the night. He locked the door and left the key at the neighbour's house. 'He told the neighbour to go to the shack and wake his wife. When she got there, she found the victim unresponsive and called the police.' According to the resident, police fetched the suspect from his workplace and arrested him. Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed a case of murder was registered at Nyanga police station following the discovery of the woman's body at about 6am on 1 August at a premises in Block 6, Link Road, Browns Farm. 'The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. An adult male was arrested and is due to appear in court once charged. The motive is believed to be an argument,' said Van Wyk. Anti-gender-based violence organisation Ilitha Labantu expressed concern over the killing. Spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: 'This horrific incident marks a grim beginning to Women's Month, a time that is meant to honour the courage and resistance of women in our country. Yet women continue to be brutalised and murdered in their homes and communities. 'We cannot claim to be making any real progress when women are never safe – not in their homes, not in public, and certainly not in intimate relationships. 'This is not an isolated case. It is part of a broader crisis of gender-based violence that has become normalised in our society, where women's bodies are sites of violence and the justice system continues to fail to act as an effective deterrent. Each life taken is a reminder of how little value is placed on the safety and dignity of women in South Africa.' Ilitha Labantu called for urgent and sustained action. 'It is not enough to issue statements of condemnation once violence has occurred. We need visible, coordinated efforts to dismantle the conditions that allow this violence to thrive – from poor policing and weak prosecution to the socio-economic vulnerabilities that trap women in abusive environments,' said Monakali. 'Until women are free from all forms of violence and abuse, we cannot claim to live in a just society. We will continue to demand justice, accountability, and protection for all women.' [email protected]
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Granny stabbed on way to work will be buried on National Women's Day
Granny stabbed on way to work will be buried on National Women's Day The grandmother, Johanna Mlangeni, who was stabbed to death by her alleged partner in Cowen Ntuli Street on Thursday morning, will be laid to rest in Mapimpane, Doornkop, on August 9, which is annually celebrated as National Women's Day. The South African government declared August Women's Month, and August 9 National Women's Day, to shine a light on women's rights and equality, while advocating against gender based, and family violence. In a poignant nod to the gender based violence pandemic which allegedly claimed her life, Mlangeni's son Charles said they chose National Women's Day to bury his mother, who is now also a statistic of the GBV-plague. Mlangeni was stabbed in the upper body while making her way to work as domestic help in Gholfsig. Charles says his mom and the partner who allegedly stabbed her, normally travelled to Middelburg together for work. Mlangeni had worked for het Gholfsig employers for the last 23-years. Her body was found lifeless in the street around 06:00 Thursday morning. Charles says both him and his sister, as well as a four year old grandson, lived with Mlangeni in Doornkop. She lost a second son in 2020. Mlangeni also leaves behind three sisters and four brothers. The partner has been arrested, and the knife allegedly used in the murder, has also been recovered.
