MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In the wake of the brutal Ekurhuleni murders of nine women, Mossel Bay residents took a firm stance against gender-based violence, showing a united front through peaceful walks on 18 and 19 September.
Four of the nine women have since been identified: Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo (38), Dineo Evelyn Motapane (38), Itumeleng Kekana (32) and Gracious Nkomo (28).
In solidarity with the women, their loved ones and every victim of gender-based violence (GBV), the Mossel Bay community rallied together in two separate peaceful walks through parts of the town, the first on Friday afternoon, 18 September, and the second this morning, 19 September.
Yesterday, Mossel Bay church leaders, members, and community organisations walked from the All Saints Anglican Church in D'Almeida to the Da Gamaskop Police Station, holding posters and signs advocating against GBV.
Among the clergy present were Father Howard Buys, Calvyn Frans, Roger Muller and Hennie Petersen, who joined community representatives in speaking out against violence against women.
The Mossel Bay community stood against GBV on Friday, 18 September. Photo: Sharlton Groenewald
Lenise Hendricks of The Concerned Women also addressed the gathering and expressed concern about what she described as escalating violence against women. She appealed to men to protect women instead of assaulting them.
Her appeal placed the focus on men’s responsibility to help ensure women’s safety.
This morning, women, men and children gathered at The Point, to walk to the Mossel Bay Municipality and back for the same cause.
Organiser of the walk, Una Saymaan, said the silent walk, which saw participants dressed in black, was also a way to show the community feels the pain of the mothers and children who have lost their loved ones.
Another walk was organised this morning, 19 September. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
Also at the walk was 84-year-old Anselina Smith, who had also joined Friday's walk. She said that she seen the news about the murders on TV and that it left her heartbroken.
Saymaan emphasised that “when we unite and stand together, we share the burden”.
Contributor: Sharlton Groenewald
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