By Nontshi Shange
South Africa is known for many things, including the Rape Capital of the world, raising an endless amount of concern. Between the years 2015 and 2019, 41 000 cases of sexual assault were reported in Kimberley, South Africa. Activist and local Tremaine Barnes, from the woman2woman organization, sang of the never-ending nightmare women face in her song “41 000” during a panel discussion she facilitated on 17 December 2020.
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In South Africa, 1 in 3 women will experience sexual or physical violence, according to the World Health Organization. These statistics have left many women scared and isolated. The government has many solutions for gender-based violence but, little preventative measures, according to panelist Lancaster Ross of LifeLines. “We have recreational programs instead of preventional programs,” says Ross in referring to government programs. Many of the anti-rape campaigns often tell victims what they need to do when they experience rape. They include steps such as not showering after the rape and going straight to the police station.
“When we go to a police station, we have already lost the war,” says panelist and activist from Optimistic Bikers against abuse, Celeste Louw. Although it is important to report a case to attempt to have the perpetrator imprisoned, the focus should be on ensuring men do not become perpetrators.
“Every child is raised by a community, your child can be an angel at home and be a predator in the streets,” says panelist, SAPS Section Commander of Galeshwe, Sabata Tsiu. It is important for those who are responsible for children, to look at those who influence them and be able to recognize that their behaviour may vary when they leave the safety net of their home as the entire community.
When a community raises a child in the spirit of ubuntu, with virtues of compassion and humanity, it is pertinent to make sure that they are taught to respect women. Panelist Captain Boshoabile Kale, says that part of this respect involves not bragging about intimate and sexual experiences between partners in social instances. He claims that this behavior encourages predators and leads to more victims within the community. He says this stems from toxic masculinity and men believing that women are to be subservient to them and their needs.
Ultimately in combating sexual violence community members in Kimberley have decided to being to look at the root cause and targeting the youth. They will ensure that they do not become predators and instead grow to be men that women and other children can admire and respect.