LAST week saw protests against violence on two consecutive days in the streets of Graaff-Reinet.
These were aimed mainly at raising awareness of the abuse of women, and xenophobia, and showing frustration at the lack of action against perpetrators of violence.
On Thursday, there was a march organised by Councillor Glenda Mackelina and Reverend Petrus Gysman from the Kroonvale VGK.
Although the numbers were low when the marchers set off from Kroonvale, more people joined in along the route, and there was a strong presence as they proceeded up Church Street to the Town Hall.
Most of the participants wore black in support of victims of abuse, and some carried placards.
Pamphlets from the SAPS about domestic violence were handed out along the way.
When the marchers reached the Town Hall, Mayor Deon de Vos was waiting to receive their petition. He spoke movingly, giving his wholehearted support for the fight against the abuse of women in particular.
He promised to make copies of the petition for the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, and other ministers, and even offered to give the original petition to President Cyril Ramaphosa when he meets him later this month.
From the Town Hall, many of the marchers moved on to the Alex Laing Hall for a prayer service, attended by many religious leaders and women’s church groups.
Friday morning’s march was from Tambo Square in Umasizakhe to the Magistrate’s Court in Church Street.
As well as domestic violence, the organisers were also expressing their anger at the apparent lack of action from the police and the courts against the perpetrators of violent crimes. Councillors Thembile Tshona and Xolile Galada from Umasizakhe took part in the march to show their stand against crime in their communities.
About 300 people joined the gathering outside the court, blocking Church Street completely. Their petition was handed over to the clerk of the court.
A prayer by Bishop Yalolo started the proceedings outside the court building.
Galada spoke with passion to the crowd, and read out the petition. He mentioned that similar petitions, handed in during 2017 and 2018, had previously had no effect, and hoped for a better response this time.
One part of the petition that really struck a chord with the crowd was when Galada read out a list of the names of those in the community who had been raped and killed in the last few years.
The organisers were very grateful to all those in the community who turned out to support their protest and share their concerns.
