#JusticeForCwecwe: MK Party’s Women’s League marches on Department of Justice, urging government accountability in Cwecwe’s rape case and broader GBV failures.
#JusticeForCwecwe: In a powerful show of protest, members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s Women’s League gathered outside the Department of Justice headquarters, demanding swift #JusticeForCwecwe, a young girl at the centre of a deeply disturbing rape case that has shaken the nation.
Brandishing placards and chanting slogans, the demonstrators handed over a memorandum calling out systemic failures in how South Africa addresses gender-based violence (GBV), particularly crimes against women and children. Their message was clear: justice delayed is justice denied.
A Call for Accountability
Legodi Matilda, a passionate voice from the MK Party’s youth league, did not mince words as she addressed the crowd.
“Every child has a right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect and abuse. As a nation, we are bound by law to uphold these rights,” Matilda stated. “Where is President Cyril Ramaphosa? Has he spoken out? Has he offered support to Cwecwe’s family?”
Matilda accused the president of being absent on a matter of national importance. “We need action, not words,” she said. “We need a leader who will prioritise the safety and well-being of our children.”
Systemic Failures Exposed
MK Party Women’s League spokesperson Promise Nkosiphe highlighted how the current justice system continues to fail victims of sexual violence.
“No arrests have been made in Cwecwe’s case. The system seems to be failing victims of sexual offences,” she said. “We have progressive laws such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Children’s Act, yet they’re not being enforced properly.”
Nkosiphe cited alarming statistics, noting that 128 women are raped and 76 murdered every single day in South Africa. “The justice system is failing women and children. It’s a crisis that can no longer be ignored.”
Department’s Response
The memorandum was received by Advocate Shireen Said, Deputy Director-General for Constitutional Development. In an emotional response, Said acknowledged the pain caused by GBV and assured protestors that their voices were heard.
“As a mother, sister and aunt, I understand the trauma violence brings to families. The department supports civic activism that is lawful and peaceful,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide National Strategic Plan (GBVF NSP), calling for a whole-of-society approach that includes men, families, faith leaders, traditional authorities and the private sector.
Broader Crisis of Silence
The MK Women’s League also criticized the silence of national leadership on Cwecwe’s case. Protestors argue that without vocal and visible leadership, justice for GBV victims will continue to be elusive.
Their actions form part of a growing movement demanding better protection for South Africa’s women and children — not only through words and plans, but through meaningful, visible and urgent action.
Also read: Mom Who Killed Daughter’s Rapist May Have Murder Charge Dropped
