Aberdeen women won’t stand for violence

ABERDEEN NEWS - About 60 Aberdeen residents joined a march against gender-based violence through the town last week Thursday.

Schoolgirls from both Kamdeboo Primary and Aberdeen Full Service Primary joined the adults, mostly women, who expressed their sorrow at the increase in the number of violent attacks on women.

"I am so saddened when I walk around town and see all the bruises and black eyes on so many of the women," said one marcher who did not wish to be named.

According to Noluvo Feni, one of the organisers, 39 cases of domestic violence were opened between April and September this year. A further 37 cases were reported at the Victim Support Centre, and 53 protection orders against men were issued by the Aberdeen Magistrate's Court for the abuse of women and children.

The marchers gathered outside the Masakhane clinic, and made their way to the Magistrate's Court in Grey Street. Members of the CPF acted as marshalls, and the sirens of the accompanying SAPS and Traffic Department vehicles drew bystanders' attention.

At the court, Nonelela Memese from Social Development handed over a petition with close to 200 signatures to Court Manager Vuyokazi Makeleni, who accepted it on behalf of Prosecutor Zukiswa Zokufa.

The protest was organised by Noluvo Feni and Noziphiwo Maronga of the Department of Social Development, officials who are responsible for crime prevention and victim empowerment programmes in the department.

Cst Alicia Africa marching in support of the protest, together with youngsters from local schools. Photo: Sue Shaw