Yesterday, the streets of East London were a sea of people in black as determined voices sang in unison towards one goal: seek justice for Cwecwe, a now eight-year-old girl who was allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October last year while waiting for her transport home.
The march was led by the Loyiso Lindani Foundation, a feminist non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights of women and children. Speaking to explain while holding back tears, the organisation’s chairperson and founder, Loyiso Lindani, voiced her exhaustion and frustration.
“I am tired and exhausted because I know that everybody is standing in solidarity, but I am anxious that it is just a matter of time before something even more graphic and horrific happens to another woman or child,” Lindani said.
Her worries are justified. South Africa is infamous for its statistics on rape and sexual assault. According to the Teddy Bear Foundation, over the last five years, 5,385 rape cases were reported in Gauteng, with only 214 of these cases resulting in a conviction – a shocking 4% conviction rate – while 5,314 cases were withdrawn.
With unwavering support, the marchers made their way to the East London Magistrate’s Court to submit a memorandum, insisting that cases of sexual assault should be treated with urgency.
What happened to Cwecwe?
On 15 October 2024, her parents noticed that the then 7-year-old Cwecwe was in a lot of pain. A doctor’s visit and medical examinations confirmed that she had been raped.
Her mother reported the incident to the school and the South African Police Service (SAPS) the next day, on 16 October 2024. Despite the troubling news, the school gave Cwecwe’s family a transfer letter without support.
For the five months that followed, SAPS largely ignored the case despite Cwecwe’s mother being an employee of theirs.
Fast forward a few months, and the case has received significant traction on social media due to Cwecwe’s mother’s demands for justice. The case sparked the #JusticeForCwecwe movement, with people across the country calling for accountability and action.
Currently, the police have identified three suspects, including the school’s principal, with DNA tests carried out on the remaining two.
A call for urgency and action
Among the key demands put forward in the memorandum was that SAPS should handle rape and sexual assault cases with the urgency they deserve. Lindani highlighted the delayed response in this case, pointing out that if it had not been for the power and influence of social media, the case might never have gained traction.
“What breaks my heart into pieces is the fact that this rape incident happened last year in October, and if it wasn’t for social media, this case would have been ignored,” she said. “How many other women in rural areas don’t have access to social media? What do they do when they encounter such challenges?”
#JusticeForCwecwe symbolised justice for other rape victims
Yesterday’s march saw a high turnout. Among them were strong advocates for change, rape survivors, and sympathisers.
“For me, being here today is more than just showing support; it’s personal”, shared a young woman requesting anonymity. “I was raped multiple times and sexually assaulted just last month, and nothing has been done by the police. Fighting for Cwecwe feels like fighting for my own closure. She’s just a child, and she should not have to go through this.”
High school learner Oprah Sityashawana sympathised with this sentiment: “By being part of the march today, we want the government to ensure that we, as school learners, are safe at school. We demand justice for Cwecwe and other rape victims.”
Voices of support
The unity among participants was tangible, as organisations and individuals came together to demand justice. Social worker Mfundo Msusa, a member of Ubuhle Bethu 1203, explained to us why their presence at the march was crucial.
“Our organisation advocates for human rights, social justice, and the prevention of TB, STIs, and HIV. It was important for us to be here because child protection is a major part of our work,” Msusa said. Holding a placard that read ‘Not on our watch. Men, rise up,’
His colleague Akhona Nyosana added, “We are advocating for men to take responsibility in their communities. Rape is one of the drivers of HIV, and as an organisation, we focus on prevention of STIs and HIV.”
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa also contributed with its voice. Speaking on behalf of the union’s Eastern Cape region, deputy secretary-general Lukhona Mtukuse said, “Through our various structures, we advocate for the rights of all members of society. We are here to stand in solidarity with Cwecwe’s family. And we are also saying ‘down with AfriForum’ because their behaviour in this case shows that we, as Black South Africans, are not safe.”
AfriForum’s controversial stance
While two of the three suspects in this case have agreed to and undergone DNA testing, Bergview College’s principal, Jaco Pietersel, the third suspect, has not.
AfriForum, a lobby group mainly concerned with the interests of Afrikaners, has a private prosecution unit which represents Pietersel in this case. They have dismissed allegations that the unit is protecting the educator, claiming he is not a suspect in the rape case and that the request for a DNA sample is unjustified.
According to spokesperson Barry Bateman, “It is the unit’s understanding that he had no contact with the victim before the offence being committed, nor is there any evidence that the offence took place on school grounds.”
These claims by Afriforum have since been contradicted by SAPS with a statement released over the weekend: “Three individuals, including the school principal, were identified as suspects. All outstanding statements have since been obtained by the investigating officer. DNA tests have also been conducted.”
What happens now?
With no resolution, frustration continues to grow. Last Friday, the Eastern Cape Education Department deregistered the school due to their mishandling of the case.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the National Police Department has taken control of the investigation with the Police’s Head of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations Unit deployed to assist.
“Ours is to ensure justice and that no stone is left unturned in ensuring a breakthrough in this particular case,” said Mathe Lieutenant General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola.
Cwecwe’s family and thousands of supporters continue to cry out for justice both online and in the streets.
Lona is a recent graduate with an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Wits University. Passionate about storytelling, she is eager to learn, grow, and hone her writing skills.
