Protest against gender-based violence at Parliament
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PICKET: Protest at Parliament PICKET: Protest at Parliament
About 300 young people from across Cape Town gathered at the gates of Parliament on Tuesday to protest against gender-based violence in their communities.
The protest was organised by the Anti-GBV Movement of Stellenbosch University.
A member of the organising committee, Thandile Ngixkwe, says that the protest is in response to the high number of femicides in South Africa and a way to make women feel that they are not alone.
They also want government to take more decisive action against those found guilty of GBV in courts.
“The reason why I am this active is not only because of what was done to me, but because I have a sister,” she says.
“I never, ever want her to go through anything that I went through.
“I was almost raped by a neighbour. I was molested by a neighbour, but they will never have my power,” said the activist.
The protesters were dressed in black, and chanted ‘men are trash’, while they were given the opportunity to share their experiences.
PLACARDS: Protesting gender-based-violence
During a moment of silence for women and girls who’ve lost their lives because of gender-based violence, they laid on the ground.
Student Yolisa Zokufa delivered an emotional plea, saying that a female doctor humiliated her.
“I went to the doctor who examined me, this woman called me naive. A f***ing woman doctor. She called me naive for having a drink,” cried Zokufa.
Kurt Lucas says he came out to support his girlfriend and urged men “to do better”.
“Men need to be educated, especially in the coloured and black communities," he says.
“Our fathers may not be there to teach us, but it’s no excuse.”