By REGINALD KANYANE
31 March 2025- In light of the recent and tragic incident involving a child who was allegedly raped at a school in Matatiele, the Chairperson of the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus, Lindelwa Dunjwa, said she is obligated to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
Dunjwa said the incident is not just a crime against an innocent child, but it is a stark reflection of the broader issues of Gender-Based Violence and systemic failures in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
She further said it is disturbing to witness the impact of such violence on children, who should feel safe and secure in their educational environments. Dunjwa added that 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, but it is part of a systemic failure that demands immediate attention and reform,” she said.
Dunjwa said the committee stresses that they must foster a culture, where victims are heard, supported and treated with the dignity they deserve. She said as a society, they must acknowledge the intersectionality of GBV, 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,” she said.
Dunjwa said 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. She said this incident should serve as a wake-up call for all of them.
“It is a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent in our fight against GBV 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.
“The boy child cannot be left outside of the discussion. It is crucial to stress the importance of educating boys and young men about respect, consent and healthy relationships,” said Dunjwa.
She said education plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviours and they must actively engage boys in conversations that challenge harmful stereotypes and norms that perpetuate violence. Dunjwa said by instilling values of empathy and equality from a young age, they 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,” she said.
The Guardian 