Over 100 activists and students took to the streets of Johannesburg on Sunday, demanding justice for a seven-year-old girl who was raped at her school in the Eastern Cape. The incident, which occurred in October last year at a Matatiele-based independent school, remains unresolved as the perpetrator has yet to be arrested.
The case has sparked national outrage, with widespread condemnation on social media and in activist circles. Allegations have emerged that the school’s management failed to cooperate with police investigations, prompting the Eastern Cape Education Department to de-register the institution.
Wits University SRC President Nombulelo Chiya expressed frustration over the lack of accountability in cases of gender-based violence (GBV).
“I don’t think enough has been done because so many cases go unreported, and even those that are reported rarely see justice. Perpetrators act without fear because they know they won’t face consequences,” said Chiya.
Protesters at the march voiced similar concerns about systemic inaction.
“It feels like a disservice that we constantly march and protest, yet the government fails to act,” one participant remarked.
Another added, “Men need to do more to combat GBV. We must take responsibility and actively fight against it.”
Activist Norma Mbele, from Tosunga Baninga, an organization combating GBV, called for constitutional reforms to strengthen protections for victims.
“As long as the constitution fails to hold perpetrators accountable, we won’t see change. Read the constitution and tell me where it prioritizes victims' rights. I have yet to see such a law,” she asserted.
Themba Masango, co-founder of the civil rights movement Not In My Name, urged law enforcement to expedite the investigation.
“This case cannot be delayed. Justice delayed is justice denied. We call on officials to ensure this case is prioritized,” said Masango.
Police investigations remain ongoing.