Gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children is not something new for most residents in Mitchell’s Plain.
This information was shared at the event on Tuesday 29 November held at the Kilimanjaro Seniors Club in Tafelsig showing solidarity with the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
The seniors lined Kilimanjaro Street with their posters and were joined by the local Neighbourhood Watch.
Afterwards, representatives of the department of social development shared information on how young and old can make a difference in refuting this social ill.
Motorists driving past the group hooted in acknowledgement and the group was joined by municipal workers as well.
The representatives from the department spoke about GBV not only to women and children but also to gays and lesbians.
Beatrice Leng, chair of the seniors club, elaborated on how the elderly in Mitchell’s Plain is being abused by their children and grandchildren and how the justice system failed many in the area.
“Here are parents in Mitchell’s Plain who lost their children and those children have never been found. I specifically recall nine-year-old Matthew Ohlson, who disappeared on 25 March 1997 from his home in Westridge, and 25 years later he is still missing. The police have no information on where he is or what happened to him. It is heartbreaking for parents if they cannot bury their child or children to get closure because there is nobody to put in a grave.
“Many of the seniors who join the different seniors’ clubs in Mitchell’s Plain do so because they need a break from the trauma at home. Being with people your age and/or having experienced abuse in whichever form, is in most cases the only way to share in each other’s trauma. In other cases, some parents and grandparents are afraid to speak out about the abuse happening in their homes and that silence usually leads to health issues,” Leng says.
She also asked the seniors not to turn a blind eye if they know of abuse happening in their neighbour’s homes.
“We are so used to saying it is not our business what is happening with others and this attitude must change. In Mitchell’s Plain, we have examples of children complaining to mothers that they are being touched by fathers, brothers and uncles and the mothers brush the complaints off by saying the children are too big for their boots,” she says.
Leng also mentioned to lay a charge of abuse at the police station is a waste of time.
“Many residents went to court and in court, the perpetrator walks out free and you as the victim is called a liar. This is how the justice system fails us and I am not surprised how many refuse to lay a charge as they know nothing positive is going to come out of the situation.
“I am appealing to all the senior clubs in Mitchell’s Plain to change our attitudes and become our neighbour’s keeper. You must make it your business to know what is going on in your neighbour’s home and if you can assist, do so.
“It is not going to be easy to win their trust immediately, but make an effort so your neighbours know you have their best interest at heart. Sometimes they only need an ear to listen to the outcries, so if the seniors in Kilimanjaro have to set the trend in being your neighbours’ keeper, so be it,” Leng says.
