Teboho Setena
The community of Koffiefontein in the Xhariep region has called on the criminal justice system to be proactive and strengthen its ability to effectively deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), with a focus on efficiency to ensure protection of the victims.
Adding some weight to the clarion call to tighten the belt against gender-based violence (GBV), a march was held on 16 April in the mining town to create awareness.
The peaceful march, supported by local organisations, culminated with a presentation of a memorandum containing the demands to representatives of the criminal justice system.
Ayeesha Nthane, community march coordinator, says significant delays in resolving GBVF cases and a need to educate the community prompted the march and presentation of a memorandum of demands, chiefly for the community to have confidence in the justice system.
“Women and children in rural and under-resourced areas like Koffiefontein are at greater risk due to limited access to services, insufficient policing, and the slow judicial processing of GBV cases. The march is a call to stand against GBV and a step toward educating, empowering, and supporting those who have suffered in silence for far too long. It is also a symbol of hope that even small towns can become powerful catalysts for change,” said Nthane.
She said the march was also informed by the statistics that reveal the Free State femicide rate stands at 12.9 per 100 000 women.
“Our community has experienced multiple instances where survivors are turned away at the police stations without proper support or guidance. Perpetrators are released on bail without sufficient monitoring and protection orders being enforced.
“This failure to act decisively places survivors at greater risk of repeated abuse or even murdered,” said Nthane.
The demands include the Koffiefontein magistrate and prosecutor’s office to implement the following actionable measures: establishment of a dedicated GBV desk; provide trained professionals in handling trauma and counseling; fand the fast-tracking of cases of domestic violence and those involving minor children.
Nthane’s involvement in community activism is part of the campaign as a candidate for the 2025 Miss South Africa pageant.
“A major part of my advocacy is to bring light to the urgent need for mental health education, awareness, and support systems in under-resourced and rural communities. Too often, these spaces are left behind when it comes to resources and safe platforms where individuals can process trauma, speak out, and heal. I believe that mental well-being is foundational to breaking cycles of violence, and that real change starts with education and open dialogue.
“Despite these alarming statistics, the systemic response in Koffiefontein remains disheartening. Numerous cases reported by survivors are not pursued with urgency, postponed repeatedly, or withdrawn due to procedural delays, lack of evidence collection, or inadequate victim support,” said Nthane.
