Shutting down GBV and femicide
KNYSNA - The Knysna community organised what they called a "total shutdown" protest on 29 November against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. Participants convened at the Knysna Magistrate's Court where they delivered a memorandum to Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola.
The memorandum, supported by various community organisations such as Knysna United, Changes of Knysna, Fantastic Family LGBTQI, and the Outeniqua Khoi Royal House, highlighted the alarming rise in GBV and femicide within the Knysna community. It called for accountability from institutions such as the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Correctional Services, and the Department of Social Development.
The memorandum further emphasised the importance of collaboration and cooperation between key stakeholders, calling for closer ties between the police and the NPA for effective investigation and prosecution of GBV cases. It also called for coordination between the Department of Correctional Services and the Department of Social Development to ensure the rehabilitation and reintegration of perpetrators and the provision of comprehensive support services for survivors.
The memorandum pointed out the
harmful effects of failing to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, as it compromises the safety of the entire community and intensifies the risks faced by victims. The Knysna community seeks to break this cycle and create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can live without fear of violence or discrimination.
"The reason for the protest is because there are a number of unsolved femicide cases in Knysna," said community activist Candice Ludick. "Perpetrators are able to live their best lives while human rights are being denied on a daily basis. The Constitution affords us the right to life and the right to dignity. As long as gender-based violence is
not taken seriously, as long as perpetrators are not brought to book, there is no option but for it to escalate. Women are dying with protection orders in their handbags. No people are [someone else's] property."
Sebola confirmed that he had signed the memorandum in his capacity as municipal manager. "It is important that we include men and women alike in these demonstrations to address the severity of the matter at scope," he said.
"You are our wives, our mothers, our sisters - and the pain that women suffer is our pain as well. Men must be involved in assisting the cause. There are programmes that men need to get involved in to create a healthier society."