Rédaction Africa Links 24 with An Wentzel
Published on 2024-02-27 16:51:00
Montagu, a beautiful tourist Mecca located approximately 200km outside of Cape Town, is a town with a dark side. Gender-based violence is prevalent in this town, and victims often face victim-shaming by the police. Despite its picturesque surroundings and charming main street lined with old attractive buildings, the reality of life for many residents is far from affluent.
Daily Maverick visited Montagu on a scorching hot day in February, where temperatures reached a staggering 39 degrees Celsius by 11am. Upon entering the town, one is greeted with upmarket farm stalls and restaurants inviting visitors to try local produce, freshly-baked goods, and wine. However, as one ventures further into town, the disparity between the affluent main street and the reality of life for many residents becomes apparent.
Denia Jansen, who leads a gender-based violence healing circle in Montagu, works with the NGO Trust for Community Outreach (Tcoe) to assist victims of gender-based violence in the area. The Healing Circle is a pilot program started by the Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) to provide support to victims of gender-based violence. Jansen, a native of the region, guides visitors through the town’s lesser-known areas, where informal dwellings and low-income housing are prevalent.
During the visit, Jansen introduces Daily Maverick to survivors of gender-based violence, such as Silvia Plaatjies, who shares her harrowing experience of abuse at the hands of her partner. Plaatjies describes the constant abuse she endures and the challenges she faces in leaving her abuser due to having children and feeling trapped in the situation. She also highlights the stigma and discrimination she faces as an HIV-sufferer when seeking healthcare services.
Sadly, Plaatjies’ experience is not unique in Montagu. The lack of a community safety net and limited resources for victims of gender-based violence exacerbate the situation. Jansen recalls hair-raising stories of rape and assault in an environment where the police have been known to turn women away or ignore their reports of abuse.
Community health worker Olga Thafeni, known as ‘Ma Olga’ in the community, plays a crucial role in supporting victims of gender-based violence and advocating for them with the police and healthcare providers. Despite the risks involved, Ma Olga goes above and beyond to assist women in need and ensure their safety.
The challenges faced by victims of gender-based violence in Montagu underscore the urgent need for systemic change and greater support for survivors. By amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights, organizations like the RWA and individuals like Ma Olga are working to address the root causes of gender-based violence and create a safer, more supportive community for all residents of Montagu.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
