Along with the rest of the country, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor led a march in support of a 7-year-old girl, Cwecwe, from Matatiele, calling for justice and solidarity in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
The learner was raped in October last year, the mother confirmed. The march, which began at the City Hall and concluded at the High Court, saw hundreds of residents dressed in black, walking side by side to demand change.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, joined the march and delivered an impassioned statement, declaring, “Stop gender-based violence. Stop rape. Stop the abuse of women. We cannot allow any form of exploitation of women.”
The mayor, alongside fellow participants, submitted a petition to the High Court, urging legal intervention and accountability for GBV perpetrators.
This action came in the wake of the controversial acquittal of Pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Zukiswa Sitho and Lusanda Sulani, by High Court Judge Irma Schoeman on Wednesday, April 2.
The three were cleared of over 32 charges, including rape and human trafficking, due to insufficient evidence presented by the state. The acquittal marked a distressing moment for many activists and survivors, igniting renewed calls for stronger prosecutorial efforts.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, expressed serious concern over the handling of the case by the prosecution team. Kubayi described the judgment as a significant setback in the fight against gender-based violence, criticising the poor quality of cross-examination during the trial.
In response, she has instructed the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to provide a comprehensive report on the factors leading to this outcome.
In a recent speech, Lobishe reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to addressing GBV issues, citing the devastating economic and social costs of such crimes.
“The fight against GBV is a fight for the dignity of humanity,” she remarked. Reflecting on high-profile cases of violence and injustice, including the sentencing of convicted rapist Moses Gqesha, the mayor emphasised the urgent need for structural reform in addressing these crises.
The march also saw the participation of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport, Councillor Yolisa Jongilanga Pali, and a committed community that stood in solidarity. Lobishe thanked the residents for their courage, declaring, “Injure one, injure all. Together, we can bring change.”
He stressed that the petition submitted to the court represents hope for reform and accountability. With the municipality and the broader community united, this moment signifies a turning point in the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence. As the march concluded, Lobishe called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and to act against such crimes.
“The time for indifference has passed. Let us work together to create a society free from indignity and fear,” she urged.
Minister Kubayi has assured the public that the fight against GBV remains a priority for the government. Her call for a strengthened approach to prosecuting cases and her unwavering resolve reflect her commitment to ensuring justice for all survivors. Municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya concluded that the march not only raised awareness but also symbolised the community’s collective determination to bring about meaningful change in tackling GBV, ensuring a safer and fairer future for generations to come.
