“We Will Not Be Silent”:
Rustenburg marches against GBVF
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Hundreds of residents took to the streets on Friday, 21 November 2025, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a peaceful march against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The demonstration, organised by the Stand for Change movement, began at the KFC near the Rustenburg Taxi Rank and made its way to Olympia Park Stadium.
The initiative forms part of the national #JusticeForCwecwe movement, launched earlier this year following the heartbreaking case of Cwecwe, a 7-year-old girl who was allegedly raped while waiting for school transport at Bergview College. Her story ignited outrage across South Africa, with thousands demanding justice.
Motivated by this nationwide call, Stand for Change joined forces with the Women For Change organisation, which urged women and LGBTQIA2S+ community members across the country to march on 21 November until GBVF is declared a national disaster.
At exactly 10:00, Rustenburg residents stepped forward — many survivors themselves — bravely raising placards, chanting, and calling for accountability, protection, and justice. The march remained peaceful and fully authorised.
Event coordinator Mellisa Tjia said the purpose was not only to raise awareness, but also to recognise the silent suffering of many: “GBVF and femicide cases continue to rise in South Africa. We also acknowledge that men face similar struggles, and we urge them to come forward and report their cases.”
Executive Mayor Cllr Sheila Mabale-Huma shared: “Gender-Based Violence is a crisis that affects every family and every community. We cannot remain silent. Today, we walk for justice, for protection, and for the dignity of all women and children.”
Community members seeking more information or wishing to get involved can contact Mellisa Tjia at 073 413 4310, Angela at 078 708 3165, or reach Stand for Change via Facebook.
Main photo: Executive Mayor Cllr Sheila Mabale-Huma joined the march.
