ASSAULT/HARASSMENT AWARENESS

According to a study presented in 2024 by Dr. Nompumelelo Zungu, Strategic Lead in the Public Health, Societies, and Belonging Research Division at the HSRC, 33.1% of all women aged 18 years and older have experienced physical violence in their lifetime—that’s an estimated 7,310,389 women. Additionally, 9.9% have experienced sexual violence, translating to 2,150,342 women¹

This study drew from comprehensive data across all nine provinces of South Africa. To put it plainly: 1 in 3 women have experienced physical violence, and about 1 in 10 women have experienced sexual violence.

In addition, rape is the most reported crime against children in South Africa, accounting for 38.3% of all cases involving minors²

You see, the thing I hate about statistics is that they give you this cold overview of someone’s heartbreaking experience. It’s too easy to reduce someone’s trauma to a number, to a moment in time they’ll never forget.

In light of April being Sexual Assault/Harassment Awareness Month, let us look at one such story.

In light of April being Sexual Assault/Harassment Awareness Month, let us look at one such story.

A Bone-Chilling Reality

Imagine you are a young mother and rape survivor. Your 7-year-old daughter comes home late from her private school. Over the next few days, you notice changes in her behavior. She complains of stomach aches, has difficulty walking, and eventually you find bloodstains on her trousers. A doctor’s examination confirms the unthinkable: your child has been sexually assaulted.

This is the harrowing story of Cwecwe, a 7-year-old allegedly assaulted on the grounds of Bergview College, a private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape³

When it can happen:

• at a post office (Uyinene Mrwetyana, 2019),
• in your own home (Joshlin Smith, 2024),
• by a jaded ex-lover (Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegels, 2019),
• at your private school (Cwecwe, 2024),
• to infants and the elderly—

…it begs the question: Where are women and children truly safe from the brutality of others?

Pharmacist’s POV: What Can WE Do?

The culture of sexual assault in South Africa is a deeply rooted and complex issue. But we have to start somewhere, right?

👨‍👨‍👦 Men

In most cases, men are the perpetrators of sexual and physical violence. That means men must start holding each other accountable. It’s not enough to say you’re a “good guy” if you stay silent when your peers do harm.

📚 Education

We need age-appropriate education on consent and body autonomy, from primary school through to tertiary level. The current Life Skills and Life Orientation curricula simply doesn’t cut it. The earlier children receive messaging around respecting other people’s bodies, the better.

🏛️ Government

We must lobby lawmakers to implement stricter consequences for sexual offenders. Protests and petitions can help push for faster implementation of the objectives laid out in the National Strategic Plan on GBVF⁴

🗂️ National Sex Offenders Registry

The National Sex Offenders Registry should be publicly accessible. While the legal complexities are beyond my scope, I firmly believe: If you do the crime, the community deserves to know.

🛑 End Victim Blaming

Victims often don’t report abuse because of shame and fear. Instead of asking “What was she wearing?” we should be asking, “How can I support you?” Let’s respond with compassion, not skepticism.

💪🏾 Active Public Advocacy

Yes, liking and sharing posts, and signing petitions matter—but take it further. Consider supporting organizations like Abundance in Light, SAHRC, POWA or Sonke Gender Justice with your skills, time, or donations.

Final Thoughts

I won’t lie—writing this article was emotionally exhausting. The sheer numbers are overwhelming, but it’s the stories, like Cwecwe’s, that truly shatter your spirit.

You ask yourself, what kind of people would do such a thing? —and that question echoes over and over, like a child’s toy with no off switch.

Similarly, as tempting as it is to scroll past these stories, to switch off the news, we must not look away. Let these stories sit with us. Let the anger bubble. And let it fuel action.

Because silence has never kept anyone safe.

If you or anyone you know of has been a victim of sexual assault/harassment, please contact the following:

• National GBV Helpline: 0800 428 428
• Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
• Rape Crisis: www.rapecrisis.org.za

Acknowledgements to Ms. Mbali Octavia Ncube, BA Law (Wits) for letting me pick her legal brain.