Sonke Gender Justice extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Singa Namhla Ntwa, a young woman from the Eastern Cape who was shot dead on 21 April 2022.
Namhla Mtwa, 34, was shot nine times in her car as she entered her home in Sidwada, in Mthata in the Eastern Cape. No arrests have been made.
Mtwa’s sister took to social media with the hashtag #JusticeforNamhla and shared graphic pictures of her sister with horrifying bruises on her body, alleging years of abuse.
According to the Crimes Against Women in South Africa report released by Statistics Africa, one in five women (21%) had experienced physical violence by a partner. Minister Bheki Cele also revealed that between July and September 2021, over 9500 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases were reported.
Two weeks ago, Hillary Gardee, 28, daughter of former EFF secretary-general and lawyer Godrich Gardee, was found murdered in Mpumalanga. In the past years, there has also been the killing of Tshegofatso Pule, Natasha Conabeer, Karabo Mokoena and many others. These brutal killings cannot go on.
We cannot work in solace. We call on the police, communities, civil societies, and the government to prioritise Gender-Based Violence. This includes ensuring that the NSP for GBVF is fully implemented and adequate funding made available. It is clear that more work on the second pillar of the strategy needs to be heightened. This includes the need for innovative programmes to engage the challenge of toxic masculinities for both boys and men.
It is apparent that Namhla has been exposed to repeated exposure to GBV. We all as a society need to take responsibility that we continuously fail people like Namhla. Someone must have known that Namhla was being abused. The bigger question is what do we do when we are aware of such abuse? It is sad that many amog us look the other way. We need more vigilance in our society to ensure that GBV is never tolerated and ignored.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape took to the streets and marched last week in Mthatha calling for justice for Namhla. What is required of course is improved accountability from state institutions to ensure that mechanisms are put in place to turn the tide against GBV.
Sonke is urging the criminal justice system to act swiftly in finding the perpetrator and ensure justice for Namhla.
Media enquiries
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, and Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance: bafana@genderjustice.org.za or 082 -578-4479.
Notes to editors
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation.
