'Shame on you'

GEORGE NEWS - The women of Phakamani Makhosikazi in Thembalethu have had enough. On Saturday 22 February, they took to the streets in a powerful protest against the rampant crime and sexual violence plaguing their community.

"Enough is enough!" says Ntombi James, chairperson of Phakamani, a movement that focuses on strengthening female power and upholding morale in the community.

Not a day goes by without a women or child getting raped, says one of the protesters, Beauty Makoloi, who joined the march.

According to Makoloi, these rapes in Thembalethu are often unreported, because the children are threatened with death.

"A young girl of 11 or 12 can no longer even dare to go buy a packet of chips from a shop, wearing shorts," says Makoloi.

"It's grown men who call the children closer. They could be their grandfathers or uncles, they are that old. And if they [the children] resist, they are taken by force." Makoloi says this happens in broad daylight.

Ntombi James, chairperson of Phakamani Makhosikazi Photos: Michelle Pienaar

The police in Thembalethu, community policing forum, members of Community in Blue, church leaders and residents joined the peaceful protest through the streets of Thembalethu, down Ngcakani Road and through Phelandaba, Mdongwe and Asasani.

"These are some of the most dangerous places," said Makoloi. "I fear for children who have to walk home coming from school. Many moms are still at work at that time."

As the protest passed Thembalethu police station, another group had gathered, demanding justice for a woman who had been stabbed the night before and rushed to hospital. "Incidents like these - violence, rape, assault, even murder - are a regular occurrence in our area," said James.

Many children joined the march through the streets of Thembalethu. In front (from left) are Somila Ghantso, Sibahle Kalse and Michealla Pullen.

Makoloi and Veronica Majwete, both members of Phakamani Makhosikazi, are upset about the tremendous increase in violence in the area.

Fighting for a common cause: From left are Nolonwabo Ncamile, Clr Thandiswa Qatana and Cynthia Ncamine.

The quarterly crime statistics (October to December 2024) for George, Thembalethu, Conville, and Pacaltsdorp released last week reveal both positive and concerning trends.

Statistics: October to December 2024

A total of 34 rape cases and 37 sexual offences were reported in Thembalethu.
126 cases of assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, and 115 cases of common assault were reported.
Burglaries at residential premises stand on 82 cases - an increase of 21 cases over the same period in 2023.

Athimna Ntoni (right) of the Community in Blue during the protest march. "Yekani Ukusibetha" (Stop beating us), reads a poster carried by a teenage girl.