The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] is angered and saddened by the horrifying case of alleged rape of a seven-year-old child from Matatiele, who was allegedly raped while at Bergview College. 

This case once again highlights the scourge of Gender Based Violence, Femicide and Violence directed against Women and Children that is tearing our society apart and affects every community in the country.

As a nation, we can no longer stand by and watch such atrocities occurring in our communities. This case just like many before necessitates urgent intervention from everyone in society to combat all forms of gender based violence and violence directed at women and children. In this regard, we call on everyone in society to play an active role in ensuring that GBVF has no place in our society.

As NEHAWU, we call on the government and law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act against a seven-year-old child. We call for justice on Cwecwe and other countless victims of GBV in this country. Enough is Enough. We demand Justice Now.

Equally, we call on government to ensure that schools are a safe haven for children and must be protected at all material times. Furthermore, we call on government and Bergview College to provide psychological and social support to Cwecwe and her family, learners, and workers at the schools.

Lastly, we reiterate that Gender Based Violence, Femicide and Violence directed at Children has no place in our society. As NEHAWU, we demand Justice for Cwecwe.

END

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat.

Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335 or email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za