As we end of this August, I would like to honour. A few women whom I know have stood in their power and still stand tall.
In South Africa, on 9th August, we celebrate Women’s Day, which is a national holiday. The whole month dedicated to honouring women. Over the years we have seen that the month has become an explosion of pink-themed tea parties, media platforms broadcast Maya Angelou quotes and a number of campaigns are launched. Many of us have become very selective about the types of campaigns and events we attend, as although we should celebrate ourselves, we as women are still fighting many battles.
On the 1st, we saw one of the most important marches of our time, The TotalShutdown march. We saw women across the country taking to the streets, demanding that the government hear our pleas. The marchers across the country have expressed frustration on the countless murders and gender-basedd violence incidents and women and various vulnerable groups.
The messages were blunt – gender-based violence must “F off”.
Those were the words on a placard carried by a tearful Xoliswa Buthelezi in Pietermaritzburg who attended the march.
Another said: “My vagina is not your playground unless invited.”
Thousands of women gathered across the country to protest against gender-based violence and femicide as part of the #TotalShutDown march on Wednesday.
In Cape Town‚ some gathered at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and mothers who lost their children to gang violence met at the Castle of Good Hope before making their way to Parliament.
The organiser and the survivors who stood on the streets in solidarity, I salute you all!
A few days later, we were woken up to the horrifying news of a young student, named Khensani Maseko, who had taken her life. It was reported that Khensani had been raped by her boyfriend and could not take the trauma any longer. Like so many people who have been violated, the trauma of abuse and rape can lead to many other factors such as PTSD-Post traumatic stress disorder which in many cases can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and in Khensani’s case, Suicide.
Khensani, I believe you. May your dear soul rest in peace!
Prior to the month starting, we were also shocked by the arrogance of the South African rapper, Brickz, who was convicted of rape, who was hired to perform at the Kwaito and House Music Awards nomination party.
Brickz, who was found guilty of raping a 17-year-old relative in 2013 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, was released on bail in April pending the appeal against his conviction.
The awards’ founder and CEO, Perfecta Khumalo, was not deterred and said the awards would not “abandon” SA musos.
Out of this there was was light and I would like to salute the MD of Transafrica Radio, Busi Ntuli. They automatically pulled their sponsorship from the event on hearing the news that a rapist would headline the event.
This was her statement taken from Twitter:
”Unfortunately the organisers have through their PR practitioner informed us that Brickz stays. We have subsequently informed them that TransAfrica Radio can no longer be their partner,”.
Busi said the decision was a “no-brainer” and the station had the “duty to be on the right side of influence.”
“It was a no-brainer. The creative industry has since the beginning of time played an influential role in society. It is our duty to be on the right side of influence. I still love kwaito and house music.”
Busi, I thank you and salute for standing in solidarity with the survivor. Many people would have put money and business before this.
I would also like to salute my sisters who stood up and spoke on the trauma allegedly inflicted by Khalo Matabane.
Firstly to my warrior queens, Ntombi and Buhle.
Your power and reliance is astounding. I know the journey has not been easy. I can relate and I know that at times, it all seems overwhelming as many feel more comfortable in judging us. We know this, but more importunely we believe you and we love you.
To my other warrior queens who were brave enough to share their journeys in The City press newspaper:
https://city-press.news24.com/News/khalo-matabane-women-speak-out-20180429
Palesa Letlaka, Ingeborg Lichtenberg and Nico Athene I salute you.
After my article came out in the paper, the new CEO of Urban Brew, Verona Duwarkah called me and we met for coffee. She needed to make a proper apology and have ensured me that drastic changes have been made and I can categorically state that their productions are a safe place for all actors and crew to work on.
They have been working with SA guild of actors and working out strategic and concrete ways of creating safe spaces for actors in South Africa.
Verona, I salute you!
With that, I also need to thank my SAGA (SA Guild of actors) family who stood by me from day one. They work tirelessly at ensuring that our industry runs efficiently
Lastly, I salute those souls who are living with the pain, may you find your strength and voice to speak out. May the perpetrators be named and convicted.
Psalm 69:29
29 I’m hurt and in pain;
Give me space for healing, and mountain air.
Abuse in any form needs to be seen as trauma. Trauma takes time to heal and I urge you to get assistance from professionals in the field.
Please be sure that you find secure and safe spaces to share your experiences and always know that it is not your fault.
Healing is essential before embarking on legalities as you need to be strong. That is possible through professional help and support.
Organisations that I fully endorse:
http://www.powa.co.za
http://www.tears.co.za
http://www.rapecirsis.org.za
http://www.sadag.org
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