Sonke Gender Justice in collaboration with over five hundred supporters and thirty-five Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) partner organisations from across the province took to the streets on the 18th of June in a march against GBVF, to demand police presence in communities and a call for a victim-centred approach to combating GBVF.
Through this demonstration, stakeholders including Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, Grassroots Edge and Bathopele NGO expressed their disappointment, frustration, and ongoing concern with the handling of GBVF cases in the province.
“We are asking for accountability, coordination and leadership on GBVF in the Northern Cape, especially to the poor and marginalized communities on the ground, we also want feedback and response from the memorandum that was handed over to SAPS on the 27 November 2024 in Platfontein,’’ said Sonke Programmes Specialist Fredalene Booysen.
“We also call for a more coordinated, victim-centred, and accountable approach to combating GBVF and ensuring access to justice and protection for women and children, including systemic failures, like the closure of the court in Galeshewe in the criminal justice system that obstructs survivors’ access to justice,’’ she adds.
Sonke submitted a memorandum to the Office of the Premier, which was a built up from a local community march in Platfontein on 27 November 2024. Although the premier, Dr Zamani Saul was unavailable at the time of the handover, Advisor Zolile Monakali, accepted the memorandum and committed that the office will respond to the demands on the memorandum.
Speaking to the media, Shaine Griqua, director of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, highlighted the high number of abuse and sexual offence cases that were withdrawn due to a lack of support, also calling for a comprehensive update on the investigation into some of the cases.
“We are urging for a satellite police station to be opened in Platfontein. There is no public transport, and rape victims cannot walk 25 kilometres in the dark to report the crime. They are often met with indifference at police stations and risk being raped again on the road. Residents are often left to fend for themselves in the face of escalating violence, gang activity, drug abuse, and domestic abuse,” he said.
While Sonke has given the office of the Premier until 30 September to respond to the demands outlined in the memorandum, the march led to a confirmed meeting with the Office of the Premier before the end of June to address the injustices faced by marginalised and vulnerable groups.