By REGINALD KANYANE
12 August 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) Regional Task Team (RTT) in the Bojanala Region has expressed a profound concern over the persistent rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual assault, which continues to devastate young women and children within its communities. This urgent appeal comes in the wake of the tragic murder of Onalenna Selebogo (21), a North West University (NWU) student, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend on 3 August 2025, in Rustenburg.
The coordinator of ANCYL RTT in Bojanala, Pako Mokua said they extend their deepest condolences to the Selebogo family during this unimaginably difficult time. Mokua said as they prepare to bid their final farewell to Selebogo on 16 August 2025, their hearts ache for their profound loss.
“We stand in solidarity with them, offering our support and holding them close in this moment of sorrow. The senseless loss of Selebogo is a heart-breaking reminder of the pervasive and often fatal impact of GBV within our society.
“Our concerns are gravely heightened by incidents like these, which strip away the potential and dignity of our young people. RTT urgently calls upon young women to exercise extreme caution and vigilance in their relationships, emphasising the devastating consequences that abusive partnerships can entail,” he said.
Mokua further said they urge them to seek help and support, if they find themselves in such circumstances, knowing that their safety and well-being are of paramount importance. He added that this Women’s Month serves as a critical period to galvanize and strengthen collaborative efforts across all sectors of society to eradicate violence against women and children.
“As an organisation committed to empowering young people and championing community aspirations, the ANCYL RTT Bojanala strongly encourages all members of society to take proactive and resolute steps towards establishing a region free from violence and abuse.
“Our paramount focus remains on safeguarding the human dignity and potential of every individual, particularly women and children,” said Mokua.
Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) Corporate Communication Manager, Oscar Mosiane said: “They mourn the tragic death of Selebogo. She was reportedly found murdered in her flat in Phokeng, Rustenburg, on 3 August 2025. The NWU is devastated by the loss of such a vibrant and promising young woman.
“Selebogo’s passing is not only a tragedy to her family and friends, but also to the NWU community. She was a beautiful soul with a passion for education and a bright future ahead of her. Her untimely and violent death has shaken us all,” said Mosiane.
He said they extend their deepest condolences to the Selebogo family, her classmates, lecturers, and fellow students. Mosiane said the university was made aware of the incident last week by the family, and they have respected their space and time to grieve before issuing a public statement.
The Guardian 