Cape Flats mense take fight to GBV as 16 days of activism kicks off

CAPE Flats residents are keeping up the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) as 16 days of activism kicks off today. 

Following Friday’s mass demonstrations for Women For Change’s National Shutdown around the Mother City, today marks the start of a global campaign to raise awareness of the plight of abused women and children. 

As world leaders gathered in Johannesburg for the G20 Global Leaders’ Summit last weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBV a national disaster - a move that activists hope will force authorities to prioritise strategic and well-resourced responses.

Having taken to the streets at the weekend, Callas Foundation founder Caroline Peters is planning to hold their annual peaceful protest on Friday, 28 November from 4pm to 6pm at the corner of Klipfontein and Thornton Roads in Athlone.

Last Friday, Peters and her warriors were at the corner of Blossom Street and Klipfontein Road as part of the national shutdown against gender-based violence (GBV).

First responders, community members, and shelter employees joined together to demand safety, dignity, and justice for women and children.

Peters said: “Every day, women, girls, and LGBTQ+ persons face violence in their homes, public spaces, workplaces, and schools. This is not normal and it must never be accepted.”

Major Magdeline Phore, shelter manager at the Salvation Army, said movements like the national shutdown show communities are no longer willing to remain silent.

She added: “There is hope, and that hope is enough for today. Survivors are our heroes, and we are going to embrace them.”

Meanwhile, on the streets of Strandfontein, police, community leaders, and members walked together, shouting the message: “Break the silence, end the violence”.

Sergeant Deon Coetzee, coordinator of Strandfontein police’s Spiritual Crime Prevention Group, said remaining silent only allows abuse to continue.

He urged victims to find their voice and speak out. 

Coetzee said: “We are here to break the silence and the stigma. Too many women, men, and children are abused and never reported. We are opening the door for those suffering behind closed doors.”

Strandfontein resident Reverend Garlen Fredericks, part of SAPS Spiritual Crime Prevention Group, said: “This is our mission, and sometimes it’s challenging, but God guides us. The Justice Department is working to serve us better. I want to remind everyone, especially women: you are not alone. Break the silence. Women, break the silence. Women, break the silence.”

For more information, contact Callas Foundation via email at [email protected] or call them on 072 539 5113.