My mission as an activist

Menge Agnes Choledi

by Menge Choledi

My name is Menge, and I am from Jagersfontein in the Free State province of South Africa. Historically, women from our community united to march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws. At that time, Jagersfontein was also known for its practice of slavery, particularly during the digging of the largest man-made hole that was excavated by hand.

I have experienced profound injustice; my daughter was raped on August 21, 2019. The police did not handle the situation fairly or with dignity. To this day, I carry a wound that will never heal, but it has fueled my determination to fight for justice, protect others from victimization, and uphold human rights. As an activist, I envisioned change by actively asking questions and seeking appointments with relevant authorities to find answers and solutions.

I took several actions to mobilize the community, gather information, visit appropriate offices, and engage with the media. I made follow-ups and worked to establish community structures and organizations that could collaborate with those in power to initiate change and bring hope to our people. My strength comes from understanding others, various organizations, and my community. My mission is to protect human rights and unite people to help them realize their full potential.