A three-year-old girl who was brutally assaulted earlier this month is showing signs of recovery and has been discharged from hospital, although she remains under medical care. According to her mother, the child can now eat but is still being fed through a tube as she cannot yet take liquids. Doctors say she will continue receiving treatment and therapy to help her heal fully.
The Hope in Every Community (HIEC), which has been supporting the family, confirmed that it is organizing a nationwide march to raise awareness and demand stronger action against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. The march aims to unite communities across the country to stand against violence targeting women and children.
“We cannot keep burying our women and children. We can’t keep letting our women and children continue to be broken and oppressed in this manner,” said HIEC’s Katlego Segole. “We want men to stand up and take accountability. You know who among you harms or objectifies women — hold them accountable, don’t hide their transgressions.”
Segole also appealed to women and communities to protect one another and revive the spirit of ubuntu. “Let’s go back to being a village. Every child around you is yours and needs your protection and nurturing,” she said, emphasizing that boys, like girls, are also victims of abuse and deserve protection.
Community members, organizations, and supporters are encouraged to participate in the upcoming nationwide march, raise awareness about gender-based violence, and help ensure justice for victims.