Bonolo Mahlatsi
Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and violence in general, have become an integral part of life for South African women.
Despite South Africa’s robust legal framework, policies, and strategic plans aimed at curbing GBVF, the plight is deeply rooted in societal norms.
The epidemic South Africa is and has been facing is misogyny amplified, normalised with women violated and ostracised while already being vulnerable. This normalisation of violence continued with Olorato Mongale’s brutal killing by a man she went on a first date with.
The unfortunate and untimely passing of Olorato is a stark reminder what the country has become for women. Her body was found in Lombardy West in Johannesburg, less than two hours after she was picked up. A postgraduate, Olorato’s qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the Rhodes University and a Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate.
However, as if the murder of yet another young woman was not bad enough, it was unfortunate to read the comments posted on social media, such as “Why did she go out with a stranger?” and “Why did she not drive herself to the date?” The comments continued despite people learning about the safety measures Olorato had put in place, including sharing her location with friends.
Another grim instance of femicide was that of Sbusiso Lawrence, a KwaZulu-Natal man who took a disturbing video of himself killing his partner in December 2024. Lawrence’s video, which he shared on social media, sparked outrage. He attempted to justify his actions, saying he was triggered by being mistreated in their relationship. He had blood on his face. After confessing to killing his partner, he was later found dead – hanging from a tree near the murder scene.
The normalisation there was in people asking “Why did she leave him? He was a good man?” And even when it was later revealed that he had previously attempted to “unalive” her, negative remarks were still passed about the victim.
Again, we observed social media comments that her actions provoked his behaviour, which led to her death. Social media commentary is an invisible finger-pointing exercise that serves to blame women. Such behaviour normalises and perpetuates violence against women.
There is advice cautioning women to avoid becoming victim: Do not walk alone at night, or wear provocative clothing or short skirts. Sadly, the same cautions are not used against men to say they should not violate women.
These unfortunate incidents show that social media has become a breeding ground for victim-blaming. This has become a normative part of our thinking that goes unchallenged. Social media commentary that pushes the victim-blaming narrative fosters a culture of negativity on social media and only adds salt to the wound. These narratives pushed through social media commentary obstruct sympathy and support for those who have suffered.
Generally, we observe the normalisation through social codes and social media posts that place the blame on women. What is unfortunate is that despite having such social codes that essentially spell out the terms in which women should conduct themselves all in the name of being “safe,” women still become victims of GBVF.
The normalisation of GBVF is disheartening and inhumane; we need to start confronting it to alleviate the dangers they pose. How many mass movements will it take for women’s voices to be heard that we live in constant fear day and night? Why should we suffer at the misogynistic hands of men? Such deviant behaviour cannot, in any way, be normalised. The danger of continuously normalising such behaviour will get to a point where it will no longer feel wrong. Do we – women – deserve to be treated like we are sub-human?
■ Bonolo Mahlatsi is a senior student experience officer in the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of the Free State (UFS).
