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In light of the recent and tragic incident involving a child who was raped at a school in Matatiele, the chairperson of the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus, Ms Lindelwa Dunjwa, said she is obligated to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. “This incident is not just a crime against an innocent child; it is a stark reflection of the broader issues of gender-based violence and systemic failures in protecting our most vulnerable members of society,” said Ms Dunjwa.

“It is disturbing to witness the impact of such violence on children, who should feel safe and secure in their educational environments. Our schools are meant to be places of learning, growth and safety, yet this incident reveals a tragic breach of that trust. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the affected child and her family. The mother’s courageous decision to share her experience on a local community radio station highlights the need for transparency and accountability from the authorities tasked with ensuring the safety and welfare of our children.

“I am appalled to hear about the unfair treatment and lack of care that the family has experienced from the Department of Education and law-enforcement agencies. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a systemic failure that demands immediate attention and reform. The committee stresses that we must foster a culture where victims are heard, supported and treated with the dignity they deserve,” said Ms Dunjwa.

“As a society,” the Chairperson said, “we must acknowledge the intersectionality of gender-based violence, especially as it pertains to women and children. The committee is committed to advocating for comprehensive policies that address these issues, ensuring that all children, particularly girls and those with disabilities, are protected from violence and exploitation. We must also advocate for resources that empower schools to implement effective safety measures and support services for victims.”

Furthermore, the committee calls upon the government to engage with community leaders, educators and parents to develop preventive measures that can be implemented in schools across the nation. These measures should include training for teachers and staff on recognising and responding to signs of abuse, creating safe reporting mechanisms and ensuring that mental-health support is readily available for victims and their families.

This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. It is a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent in our fight against gender-based violence and the systemic issues that enable it. “We must work together – government, civil society and communities – to ensure that every child can attend school without fear of violence or discrimination,” said Ms Dunjwa.
 
In addressing the issue of GBV, the boy child cannot be left outside of the discussion, said Ms Dunjwa. “It is crucial to stress the importance of educating boys and young men about respect, consent and healthy relationships. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviours, and we must actively engage boys in conversations that challenge harmful stereotypes and norms that perpetuate violence. By instilling values of empathy and equality from a young age, we can empower boys to become advocates for change within their communities. Creating a culture of accountability and respect among young men is essential in the fight against GBV and femicide, ensuring that future generations contribute to a society where all individuals can live free from fear and violence,” Ms Dunjwa said.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Multi-party Womens Caucus Lindelwa Dunjwa