Cases of GBV are increasing in Carolina
Lorraine Kakaza
The community of Silobela in Mpumalanga province which is near Swaziland Border and Johannesburg route South Africa Carolina’s population is estimated at 25,863.
As we celebrate Women’s Month and the continuous 16 days of activism on no violence against women and children, we also experience Gender-based violence against all genders. Women and girls are victims of GBV so are men and boys are also victims in silence as they don’t report due to their dignity being looked down upon. Statistically, females are the most likely to be victims than males. And today we have witnessed that in the community of Carolina. GBV is a major problem in many South African communities especially in the mining industries, despite progressive policies and legislations.
The behavioral effects of GBV include living in fear (due to the violent nature of the relationship) prostitution and suicide, all this took place in Carolina in a township known as Silobela. We are all affected by the costs of violence, directly or indirectly daily. It is extremely important to acknowledge that GBV is a major human rights violation problem in South Africa and worldwide. Its drivers must be understood to develop evidence-based interventions to address it.
We have lost such a young and vibrant daughter, a friend, and a sister to many, a 22-year-old Mbali Ngubeni from Zinikeleni secondary school. She was set alight by a 35-year-old boyfriend and she was saved by the neighbors who heard her screaming and covered in flames as they arrived at the scene. She was admitted to Carolina Hospital (where she was certified dead after hours). A case was opened, and investigations continued. The suspect appeared in court on the 22nd of August 2024 in Carolina.
South Africa has high levels of GBV, GBV can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or structural, and can be perpetrated by family members, friends, intimate partners, strangers, and institutions. Most acts of interpersonal gender-based violence are committed by men against women, and the man perpetrating the violence is often known by the woman, such as a partner or family member.
The pain she felt might not be the one I felt it hardly cuts down. We are sending condolences to her family may her soul rest in peace. Everyone has to prevent or fight GBV in our society by talking about reporting by stopping it when we see it we all have a duty as communities to play a role in stopping GBV and no one else.
