Hundreds march in honour of slain Uyinene Mrwetyana

The second leg of a march against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in memory of Uyinene Mrwetyana, is being planned for this weekend. It will take place in East London, after hundreds marched to Parliament over the weekend.

COURTESY: Facebook - Langa For Men

This past Saturday marked 5 years since the murder of Mrwetyana. She was killed while collecting a parcel in a post office in Claremont. Her killer, Luyanda Botha is serving 3 life sentences for her murder.

Bush Radio News · Uyinene Judgement News Feature

Speaking on Bush Radio’s Everyday People programme, the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation's (UMF) has emphasised the events critical role in remembering Uyinene Mrwetyana and educating the public about GBVF.

‘’Five years in and we still see woman being killed, abused and raped, the same way Uyinene has died, so that is why we have our annual walks saying that we cannot keep quiet. We know Uyinene passed away five years ago, but we know there are other women who are going through the same as Uyinene did. We are calling on Government to act and to remind communities that they cannot be silent when GBVF are happening. It is a call to action to everyone,’’ said Thobeka Msengana, UMF Managing Director.

COURTESY: Social Media

Msengana says financial resources to support organisations for anti-GBVF, convictions for perpetrators, are some of the biggest stumbling blocks that organisations faced.

‘’Government need to send a clear message that they are not protecting perpetrators and they will be held accountable. Families wants to see harsher sentences. There are other interventions like trauma counselling for victims and families. Some victims need shelter as well, as there are not enough safe havens.’’

The UMF has been supported by several foundations, including Langa For Men, and Springbok rugby player Makazole Mapimpi's foundation.

‘’We cannot continue to work in silos. There are many organisations that are doing work on the ground and we are facing the same struggle. We want to see a future that is free for all women, young girls and boys and everyone that are vulnerable. One of the themes this year is to eliminate the fear. Five years in of our foundations and we see the fear of young people walking in the streets. We want the prioritization of safety and security to be on top of the agenda. When we partner, we show government that we want to see results,’’ said Thobeka Msengana, UMF Managing Director.

She explains how the UMF keep the candle burning.

‘’’GBV walk is emotionally, mentally and spiritually taxing, so we support each other. When we think of Uyinene, she was full of life, driven and a student living her dream. It is this motivation not to give up, as we want to see young people pursuing those dreams without the fear that they will not return home. We are not doing it for ourselves, but for everyone.’’

‘’She was a courageous young woman and stood up for injustices and made sure her voice was heard and that is why we work closely with Higher Education institutions to give young people a voice. We also educate young men and women to educate them about GBVF. It is important to understand that GBVF also includes all those in society, whether LGBTQIA+, disabled and young men saying it is not just women affected by GBVF,’’ added Thobeka Msengana, UMF Managing Director.

 

Done By: Mitchum George