Webinar highlights magnitude of SA cyberbullying as public servant received death threats on social media
Karen Painter • 15 May 2022
A red-letter warning about the magnitude of cyberbullying in South Africa, and the acknowledgement by a prominent public servant that she received recent death threats on social media, has highlighted the dire need for law enforcement agencies to deal proactively and aggressively with this scourge, and for the justice system to be a more sufficient deterrent to cyberbullies, said Tina Thiart, director of 1000 Women Trust.
1000 Women Trust, a women-led organization, is committed to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence, including cyberbullying.
The organization hosted a webinar on Wednesday 11 th May about cyberbullying and how it affects people’s mental health.
Lara Fouche, the keynote speaker at the webinar and social media manager of 1000 Women Trust, said Govchat and the South African women in ICT forum revealed that during women’s month of 2021, a total of 532 cases were reported to the online interactive gender-based violence engagement forum.
The top-five cases included 98 cases of domestic violence, 80 cases of emotional abuse, 78 cases of abandoned children, 40 cases of physical abuse, 34 cases of verbal abuse and intimidation, she said.
Fouche warned about revenge porn as a part of cyberbullying where a person shares without consent intimate images, videos or pornographic content to hurt another person or sabotage their social standing.
It can be posted by a previous intimate partner, or even by a complete stranger.
Councillor Tebogo Mhlari from ward 47 that covers part of Dobsonville and Mofolo North in the City of Johannesburg, acknowledged that she was recently subjected to death threats on social media and that she was deeply depressed.
She said cyberbullying happens often on social media platform. However, most cases are not reported to law enforcement.
“I had been a victim of a few incidents of cyberbullying but did not dwell on them. But recently, I was harassed, intimidated and my life threatened,” she said.
Mhlari said the incident made her realize that there are not enough awareness programs on cyberbullying.
She said the police are helpful but proving the offense is a challenge. At times the police discourage you to pursue the case and tell you the magistrate will dismiss the case due to a lack of evidence, without even going out to investigate the information you have shared with them.
“It is frustrating to be a public servant at this point because the justice system excludes us from our rights being protected.
“I’m in a deep sea of depression and anxiety because i don’t know where else to go to for help…I’m feeling so helpless and feel that public representatives are important only when speeches are made at their funerals. The law must be reviewed because we are also humans before we fulfill different public roles in society,” she said.
Mhlari was scathing of the justice system.
“What hurts the most is the inconsistency of the justice system when applying the law. I applied with one of the ladies who is also being harassed by the same suspect (as me). She was awarded a restraining order the same day. They are to appear in court on the 27 th June 2022 without having to respond to my application. I’m even considering resigning from my deployment so the law can protect my rights to safety because while I’m still a public figure I will be harassed and intimidated without getting any help from our justice system.”
Fouche said at the webinar that cyberbullying has a deep affect on the mental health like depression, anxiety, insomnia, dark thoughts, low self-esteem and self-harm.
A pitfall of cyberbullying is that victims seek revenge. “Do not speak revenge against cyberbullying, making yourself cyberbullying, because it can make matters worse and result in serious legal consequences for you. Do not respond to any messages or post written about you, no matter how untrue or hurtful it is,” she added.
The perpetrator of cyberbullying can be criminally charged with criminal defamation, extortion of crimen injuria.
Saving and gathering the evidence of the cyberbullying, keep abusive messages or screenshot of a webpage, for example and then report them to a trusted adult, teacher or a councillor. Report it to a police station, report on the website www.cybersecurityhub.gov.za or email incidences of cyberbullying to cshubcsirt@cybersecurityhub.gov.za.
A recent report by Ipsos Global revealed that South Africa has a high prevalence of cyberbullying globally, as 54 % of SA parents were aware of a child experiencing cyberbullying. More than 80 % of South Africans said they were aware of cyberbullying and almost three-quarters of South Africans believe that the anti-bullying measures that are in place are insufficient.
Until recently, South Africa did not have a legislative framework in place that dealt specifically with cyberbullying. To obtain some form of legal recourse, victims can rely on other criminal and/or civil law remedies, such as obtaining a protection order. They can also report a crime incidental to cyberbullying, for example.
On 26 th May 2021, the cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 was finalised but has not yet come into effect and is regarded as a major milestone that brings South Africa’s cybersecurity laws in line with international standards.
Children are more prone to cyberbullying than adults, an investigation by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reveals.
According to the organisation, one in three parents globally has reported that their child was bullied online.
1000 Women Trust creates awareness and provide women and girls to find their own solutions to the problem of bullying in communities, Thiart said.
The organization has created an anti-bullying toolkit made available to parents and children to address bullying and cyberbullying.
Thiart said that in a trauma-informed school, the best deterrent to bullying and cyberbullying is to create a culture of acceptance and communication. Such a culture empowers learners to find positive ways to resolve conflicts and has an administration, teachers and other staff who can support learners in making constructive decisions and responds constructively when aggression of any kind exists on the school campus.
A frustrated and desperate mother, Kathreen Moonsamy, has approached CNN to share her anger about the failure of the South African Police Service to act decisively after the murder of her daughter, Eden Moonsamy, who died from unnatural causes – possibly due to somebody who struck her with a blunt object against the head. Yet, there has been no justice for the family of the 19-year old Moonsamy. “That is why I approached Cable News Network (CNN), a multinational news organisation operating as a website and TV channel and headquartered in Atlanta,” says Kathreen Moonsamy. Moonsamy was murdered in Bellair in Ethekwini – and passed away on 23rd December 2023. According to the death certificate she died of unnatural causes. She suffered blunt force trauma to the head. Yet the police have failed to do a full and thorough investigation, says Kathreen Moonsamy. And nobody has been charged for the murder, despite the fact that the former boyfriend and his family were there with Eden before and after her attack. Moonsamy was taken to hospital by her former boyfriend, who subsequently phoned Kathreen to tell her she is in hospital due to a “panic attack.” When Eden’s father visited the hospital where she was on a ventilator, he saw that she had bruises and cuts across her body. “She was brain dead the moment she arrived at hospital and passed away seven days later,” says Moonsamy. The investigator did not take statements from Eden’s friends. One of the close friends of Eden claim that the boyfriend of Eden assaulted her with a firearm on several occasions. “The former boyfriend, who is suspected of committing the murder, was very controlling of my daughter,” said Kathreen. “He apparently had a hold on her and she was afraid of him,” Moonsamy said. “I have tried in vain to get the investigating officer to open a docket of murder. When I asked him why they don’t investigate further, he says it is complicated. I phoned the office of the regional police commissioner, and they have appointed a brigadier who is a detective. “The brigadier said to me this case is not complicated. She died of unnatural causes and a blunt object might have been used. What is complicated,” said Kathreen Moonsamy. Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act states that a public prosecutor can request the attendance before him of any person who is required to give information about an alleged offense, said Moonsamy. Eden’s friends revealed the full extent of her suffering, telling Kathreen that Eden confided in them about her boyfriend’s alleged abuse. “They informed us that Eden told them that she was in an abusive relationship and her boyfriend would hit her on hidden body parts and if he hurt her in the face, she would use make-up to cover up the bruises,” Kathreen told the Phoenix Tabloid. Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, says that in May 2024, the South African Police Services admitted in parliament that over 5.4 million case dockets were closed due to insufficient evidence or leads since the 2018/2019 financial year. Averaging over 1 million cases per year, it means that almost 3,000 cases are closed daily by the SAPS without victims of crime ever receiving justice. Included in these 3,000 cases closed daily, are gruesome murders, rapes of family members, brutal assaults and kidnappings. SAPS eThekwini District communication commander, Captain Carmen Rhynes, confirmed to the Phoenix Tabloid that the case is still under investigation and that the SAPS is working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority. “The question must be asked why it is taking the police 18 months and yet there has not been any arrest,” said Thart. “Why are the police dragging their feet,” Thiart said. “We support the Moonsamy family and we constantly pursue advocacy in order to expose poor leadership by the police and the department of social development,” Thiart added. The 1000 Women Trust is a women’s organization that aims to raise awareness around gender-based violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development. For more information about the Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.
Far too many women suffer behind closed doors in our country, and abuse survivor Leonie Viljoen is taking a bold step; in fact, she’s climbing Kilimanjaro to empower those silenced by fear. Leonie, who twice survived abuse during her lifetime, has decided to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa, to raise awareness for the women-led organisation 1000 Women Trust and its initiatives, which support women who have been subjected to gender-based violence. The mother of two toddlers shared that taking on the 5895-metre climb wasn’t for the thrill or the glory of the photos at the top of the mountain but in support of the women who have endured pain deeper than any crevasse on that mountain. 1000 Women Trust is inviting all women and men to join the 1000 Women Virtual Walk/ 27–30 June 2025 *Show up for yourself* We’re walking together, to support a powerful cause! From 27 to 30 June 2025, walk, run, cycle or just move! in solidarity with _Leonie Viljoen as she prepares to climb Mount Kilimanjaro_— breaking the silence on Gender-Based Violence. Let’s take steps toward a safer, more empowered world for women and girls. Your participation helps amplify this vital message. Entry Fee: R300 Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTHBMU0A51N6xIaJz_GETA6SGeBCluhYhvPIXzBMu6pedyKA/viewform?usp=sharing Whether it’s around your block, in your living room, or on a mountain trail—your walk matters. #1000WomenVirtualWalk #WalkForChange #BreakTheSilence #GBVawareness #SupportLeonie #ClimbForACause #ShowUpForYourself I am doing this in my own community and donate to 1000 Women Trust https://www.givengain.com/project/leonie-kili8
CAPE TOWN. - The deadline of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust’s national From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition to mobilise learners across South African schools to address bullying, is drawing closer. The deadline will be on the 20 th June, 2025. 1000 Women Trust’s virtual walk event is from 27 th to the 30 th June. Get your T-shirt. You can register now for the Trauma volunteer and anti-bully training for July. It is free. The women’s festival at Artscape in Cape Town is on 7 th August 2025. The From Bystander to Upstander competition invites schools and learners to showcase how bullying can be addressed in constructive ways through creative mediums such as posters, songs, poems, stories and graffiti and thereby change the culture of harmful behaviour at school grounds, has been launched by the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust. The Trust invites participation in the competition, encouraging schools to showcase how the 5 D's of being an upstander can be utilised to intervene when bullying occurs at schools. The 5 D’s - Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct - as strategies to stand up against bullying, shifting from passive bystanders to proactive upstanders. These strategies include distracting the bully, delegating to seek help, discreetly documenting the incident, delaying to emotionally support the victim, or directly intervening, Individuals or groups can enter the From-Bystander-to-Upstander-competition by tagging their entry with #1000women1Voice on social media. Or they can email their entry to newsletter@1000women.co.za . Multiple entries are allowed and work can be done individually or in groups. Use any medium – posters, songs, poetry, graffiti, stories and more to showcase how you can intervene using the 5 D’s to foster awareness of bullying and promote a supportive school environment. The winning entry will receive R1000. The deadline for the submission of entries is on the 20 th June 2025.
CAPE TOWN. - The deadline of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust’s national From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition to mobilise learners across South African schools to address bullying, is drawing closer. The deadline will be on the 20 th June, 2025. 1000 Women Trust’s virtual walk event is from 27 th to the 30 th June. Get your T-shirt. You can register now for the Trauma volunteer and anti-bully training for July. It is free. The women’s festival at Artscape in Cape Town is on 7 th August 2025. The From Bystander to Upstander competition invites schools and learners to showcase how bullying can be addressed in constructive ways through creative mediums such as posters, songs, poems, stories and graffiti and thereby change the culture of harmful behaviour at school grounds, has been launched by the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust. The Trust invites participation in the competition, encouraging schools to showcase how the 5 D's of being an upstander can be utilised to intervene when bullying occurs at schools. The 5 D’s - Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct - as strategies to stand up against bullying, shifting from passive bystanders to proactive upstanders. These strategies include distracting the bully, delegating to seek help, discreetly documenting the incident, delaying to emotionally support the victim, or directly intervening, Individuals or groups can enter the From-Bystander-to-Upstander-competition by tagging their entry with #1000women1Voice on social media. Or they can email their entry to newsletter@1000women.co.za . Multiple entries are allowed and work can be done individually or in groups. Use any medium – posters, songs, poetry, graffiti, stories and more to showcase how you can intervene using the 5 D’s to foster awareness of bullying and promote a supportive school environment. The winning entry will receive R1000. The deadline for the submission of entries is on the 20 th June 2025.
CAPE TOWN - A national From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition to mobilise learners across South African schools to address bullying through creative mediums such as posters, songs, poems, stories, or graffiti and change the culture of harmful behaviour on school grounds, has been launched by the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, an organization committed to creating awareness of gender-based violence and femicide. 1000 Women Trust invites participation in the competition, encouraging schools to showcase how the 5 D's of being an upstander can be utilised to intervene when bullying occurs at schools. Learners are invited to use the 5 D’s - Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct - as strategies to stand up against bullying, shifting from passive bystanders to proactive upstanders. Tina Thiart, co-founder and executive trustee at 1000 Women Trust, explained the significance of the 5 D's: "A bystander witnesses bullying and does nothing, whereas an upstander takes action against it by employing the 5 Ds. These strategies include distracting the bully, delegating to seek help, discreetly documenting the incident, delaying to emotionally support the victim, or directly intervening. “We want to encourage learners to become change-makers,” said Thiart. “We want to inspire them through this competition to constructively engage when bullying occurs in order to peacefully confront the offenders so that there could be a significant change in the culture of bullying in South Africa,” Thiart added. “This is a fun-filled competition and it encourages innovative ways of speaking out against bullying. Yet, we should not forget the serious nature of the scourge in this country,” Thiart added. Annually, bullying affects 3.2 million learners in South Africa. Around 57% of South African learners have been bullied at least once in their life. 67% of these victims will not report their abuse as they believe that they will not be assisted. Learners across the country continue to suffer physical and emotional trauma at the hands of callous classmates and teachers. Last year, a grade 12 student at Kgabo Secondary School in Ga-Mokgokong, 21-year-old Joseph Maimela, took his own life after allegedly being bullied by his teachers who reportedly told him that he would “amount to nothing”. And he is not the only learner who has resorted to such extremes in efforts to escape the trauma of bullying at schools. The Department of Health reported 7,426 suicide attempts by children younger than 18 between April and December last year, said Thiart. 1000 Women Trust has been a leading organization in the creation of awareness of bullying and has distributed more than 5000 pamphlets to hundreds of schools in all provinces. Its comprehensive anti-bullying-course has been attended free on-line by more than 11000 parents and teachers the past five years. Natalie Chisikana, a gender-based violence warrior of 1000 Women Trust who helps to create safe spaces for abused women, underlined the importance of the From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition. “Learners bully for different reasons. Some are attention-seekers, others do it because they are bored. The competition highlights the negativeness of bullying and encourages learners to not merely be spectators but to take action,” said Chisikana, who finished as runner-up of the 2024-competition. Chisikana, a tutor who assists struggling learners with their homework, said one of the challenges of bullying is what happens after bullying is reported. “Sometimes it is reported but the teacher who receives the report does not take action. Or if a bully is disciplined, he and his friends will wait outside the school gate for the person who reported the bullying.” Lucretia Samsam, a tireless worker and community activist who utilizes the 100 Women Trust anti-bullying toolkit to engage with teachers, parents and learners in Freedom Park, an informal settlement in Ottery, says sometimes the prime offenders with regards to bullying are parents who bully their children. “I use workshops to engage with parents about the dangers of bullying. The from Bystander-to-Upstander-competition will help to mobilize learners and teachers in communities to engage constructively to address the scourge of bullying.” Individuals or groups can enter the From-Bystander-to-Upstander-competition by tagging their entry with #1000women1Voice on social media. Or they can email their entry to newsletter@1000women.co.za . Multiple entries are allowed and work can be done individually or in groups. Use any medium – posters, songs, poetry, graffiti, stories and more to showcase how you can intervene using the 5 D’s to foster awareness of bullying and promote a supportive school environment. The winning entry will receive R1000. The deadline for the submission of entries is on the 20 th June 2025. For more information about 1000 Women Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or email the Trust on info@1000women.co.za
South Africa must end the culture of impunity surrounding sexual harassment which has become commonplace in the country, says Tina Thiart, cofounder and trustee of 1000 Women Trust. “We observe sexual harassment month in April in South Africa to create awareness of this scourge and to educate communities and individuals to deal with this crime,” said Thiart. “Sexual harassment is rife in South Africa. According to a survey by the South African Human Rights Commission, approximately 30 % of women experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, “In the South African legal profession, 43% of women reported being sexually harassed. This misconduct resulted in 25% of sexual harassment targets indicating that the conduct contributed to them leaving or considering leaving their workplace, according to a survey by the International Bar Association (IBA),“ Thiart said. Sexual harassment raised its ugly head recently when revelations were made of widespread sexual abuse by senior officials of the Eastern Cape provincial government. The head of the department of public works and infrastructure, Thandowethu Mandu, was placed on special leave pending an investigation into accusations that he had demanded special sexual favours from a junior subordinate. Subsequently Anele Mda, a gender and social justice activist, revealed that she had received testimonies from 110 women who claimed to have been sexually violated by senior officials within the provincial Eastern Cape government, claiming there was a sex-for-job culture in the Eastern Cape government and that eight departments were involved. Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge faced a misconduct investigation by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal, which could in 2025 due to a sexual harassment complaint laid against him by judge secretary Andiswa Mengo. “The ability by civic society and organizations like 1000 Women Trust and others to mobilize South Africans to protest sexual harassment is crucial. If sexual predators are not held accountable, they will feel emboldened to commit their heinous crimes,” Thiart said. Asked what can be done to change the culture of sexual harassment, Thiart said: “Ït is crucial to report incidents, implement robust policies, and provide comprehensive training in workplaces and educational institutions. One must also support victims and ensure access to legal avenues like protection orders. “If you experience sexual harassment, report it to your employer or relevant authorities, such as the police or a legal professional. “Reach out to organizations that offer support to victims of sexual harassment, such as 1000 Women Trust and Sonke Gender Justice. “You can apply for a protection order in the Magistrate's Court to prevent further harassment,” Thiart explained. “Companies must stablish and communicate clear policies on sexual harassment, outlining prohibited behaviors and reporting procedures. Provide regular training on sexual harassment prevention and response to all employees and students, Thiart said. “Companies must regularly assess the effectiveness of policies and training programs, and make necessary adjustments. They must be proactive in addressing potential issues and creating a culture of respect and safety. Collective agreements should be guided by the provisions of the Code of Good Practice on Sexual Harassment in the workplace,” Thiart added. She said The Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011 provides legal avenues for victims to seek protection. “Sexual assault, including any act that causes contact between the mouth, genital organs or anus of one person (or the breasts of a woman) and any part of the body of another person, is a criminal offense,” Thiart explained. Sexual harassment can be a form of discrimination based on sex, and is prohibited under the Employment Equity Act,” Thiart pointed out. Thiart said sexual harassment is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates the dignity of the complainant or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Sexual harassment can cause significant psychosocial harm, including depression and PTSD. “We encourage allyship and support for those who have experienced harassment. The trauma training course as well as the anti-bully course developed and easily accessible on-line, have become trusted allies to support victims of sexual harassment,” Thiart said. 1000 Women Trust is a Women's Organizations that aim to raise awareness around Gender-Based Violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development. For more information, contact the Trust on 0614690479 or send a mail to inf@1000women.co.za Download the Documents below Policy Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Oct. 7 1000 Women GBV in the workplace Sexual Offences and related matters 29 Sug 2023 NACOSA webinar workplace Presentation 4 Sept 2024 PES
Women For Change's Statement on NPA’s Decision to Drop the Cwecwe Rape Case We are outraged, we are heartbroken. Once again, the justice system has failed a survivor, a little girl who is only seven years old. The National Prosecuting Authority’s decision not to pursue prosecution in the Cwecwe rape case - citing "not enough evidence for a successful prosecution" - is not just disheartening; it is damning. Cwecwe’s case became one of the most viral rape cases in South Africa. A mother spoke out for her child. The public rallied behind them, leading to weeks of protest actions, and media coverage. And yet, despite all the public outrage, no one will be held accountable. If high-profile cases like Cwecwe, the Krugersdorp gang rape, Tim Omotoso Case, and others can't even make it past the first hurdle of prosecution, what does that mean for the millions of women and girls whose cases never reach the headlines? The answer is chilling: they are all being failed in silence. We cannot accept “no foreign DNA” as the end of the story. Women and children deserve more than a sterile press release. They deserve thorough investigations. They deserve justice, not a system that throws their cases out when it becomes inconvenient or complex. The devastating reality is this: if justice is denied in the most visible cases, then justice is dead for the rest. We demand accountability. We demand a justice system that works for women and children, not against them. And we demand that the NPA and SAPS stop treating Gender-Based Violence as an administrative nuisance instead of the national emergency that it is. #womenforchange #JusticeForCwecwe Tina Thiart Contact: womensfundsa@gmail.com Mobile Phone: +27 732079079 South Africa
Women For Change's Statement on NPA’s Decision to Drop the Cwecwe Rape Case We are outraged, we are heartbroken. Once again, the justice system has failed a survivor, a little girl who is only seven years old. The National Prosecuting Authority’s decision not to pursue prosecution in the Cwecwe rape case - citing "not enough evidence for a successful prosecution" - is not just disheartening; it is damning. Cwecwe’s case became one of the most viral rape cases in South Africa. A mother spoke out for her child. The public rallied behind them, leading to weeks of protest actions, and media coverage. And yet, despite all the public outrage, no one will be held accountable. If high-profile cases like Cwecwe, the Krugersdorp gang rape, Tim Omotoso Case, and others can't even make it past the first hurdle of prosecution, what does that mean for the millions of women and girls whose cases never reach the headlines? The answer is chilling: they are all being failed in silence. We cannot accept “no foreign DNA” as the end of the story. Women and children deserve more than a sterile press release. They deserve thorough investigations. They deserve justice, not a system that throws their cases out when it becomes inconvenient or complex. The devastating reality is this: if justice is denied in the most visible cases, then justice is dead for the rest. We demand accountability. We demand a justice system that works for women and children, not against them. And we demand that the NPA and SAPS stop treating Gender-Based Violence as an administrative nuisance instead of the national emergency that it is. #womenforchange #JusticeForCwecwe Tina Thiart Contact: womensfundsa@gmail.com Mobile Phone: +27 732079079 South Africa
PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 9 TH MAY 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Kilimanjaro: Viljoen climbs with a higher purpose for GBV-survivors silenced by fear Leonie Viljoen, a wellness coach in Boston, Bellville who twice survived abuse during her lifetime, has decided to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa, at the end of Junie to raise awareness of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust and its initiatives to create safe spaces for women who have been subjected to gender-based violence. Viljoen, a mother of two toddlers, says she has not decided to climb the 5895 metres to the summit of Kilimanjaro for the thrill or the glory of the photos at the top of the mountain. “Rather, I do if for the women who’ve endured pain deeper than any crevasse on that mountain. I climb for women subjected to gender-based violence whose fight is steeper, their endurance greater and their courage unlimited,” Viljoen said. “And I climb for 1000 Women Trust, who as an organization has crated initiatives for women to report sexual abuse without fear. “Each step I take is for the woman silenced by fear. For the girl told her pain is private. For the survivor who wakes up every day and chooses to keep going. The altitude will test my body, but it’s their stories that weigh on my heart. And it’s their strength that will push me higher,” she says. “Many women suffer sexual abuse and don’t know what their rights are or what the appropriate and meaningful next steps should look like. “Many suffer psychologically and the abuse can drive them to the edge of despair, instead of reporting it. “And that is where an organization like 1000 Women Trust is enormously helpful,” said Viljoen. “1000 Women Trust is a lifeline. Through its trauma training course and the establishment of the GBV-Warriors-initiative it offers a shelter, safety and the fierce belief that every woman deserves to live free from fear. When I ascend Kilimanjaro, it is to raise financial support so that 1000 Women Trust can expand their services and establish an even wider and deeper footprint,” Viljoen says. “Help me turn every meter I ascend into a step toward justice, dignity, and healing. Join me. Support 1000 Women Trust. And together, let’s rise — higher than we ever thought possible,” Viljoen said. Viljoen is a member of a party of eight who will start climbing on 25 th June. Their trip will last eight days. "Climbing Kilimanjaro has been a goal of mine since 2018. I climb with passion and purpose,” Viljoen said. “Showcasing resilience to reach the top despite what I had to endure in my life. “This is me showing up, for myself and the millions of women that have been/is exposed to GBV. “Strengthen my hand by donating now and link to GivenGain,” Viljoen said. People who want to support Viljoen financially for the benefit of 1000 Women Trust, can do it on the following link: https://www.givengain.com/project/leonie-raising-funds-for-1000-women-trust-93660 . Viljoen also invited women to join the Virtual Walk. A virtual walk is an event where participants complete the distance at their own time, location, and pace, rather than all together at a specific time and place. Participants register for the walk online, choose their own route, track their walk with a fitness tracker or app, and then submit their results to receive a medal or other finisher swag. “I want to call women to action to do the Kilimanjaro-event in their own time and place,”said Viljoen. “Run 5895 metres, walk 5895 metres or cycle 5895 metres would be ways to do the virtual walk in support of my ciimb. People who want to enter, can give detail to intern@1000women.co.za . “Why it could be advantageous to do the Virtual Walk is to get Leonie to the summit of Kilimanjaro, to receive a 1000 Women T-shirt and to do it in support of the many GBV-Warriors who daily support GBV-Warriors. Women also do it in solidarity with women around South Africa, and in support of more safe rooms in GBV-hotspots. They also do it to strengthen 1000 Women Trust,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. For more information about 1000 Women Trust, visit them on www.1000women.co.za or phone them on (061)4690479 or send a mail to info@1000women.co.za . Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Leonie Viljoen on 076-6356430 .
Gender-based violence cannot be a normalized ill, wear Orange on 25 th March! Pain and the alarming levels of sexual violence have become normalized ills in South Africa. On Human Rights Day on Friday 21 st March 2025. South Africa commemorated 21 st March 1960, a day on which 69 people were shot and killed by the police in Sharpeville and 180 wounded when they protested against pass laws. The responsible police officers were not apprehended and did no spend time behind bars for this evil crime. But what about other South Africans who daily pass away in a nail of bullets in 2025. What about 16023 women and 2164 children who were sexually assaulted between September and December 2024 in South Africa. What about 11802 women who were raped in the same period. And what is also deeply worrying, is that the front pages of the media were dominated the past three months with reports of sexual harassment of women and sexual attacks by teachers on learners. Yet, there are times when you sense that South Africans almost accept these alarming revelations as a new normal. In February 2025, the minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, pleaded with the South African cricket team to boycott a match in the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy tournament against Afghanistan because of this country’s institutionalized abuse of women and their laws that prohibit women to play in sports teams and receive formal education. He did not speak a word about the levels of gender-based violence against SA women, about the SA government’s inability and abject failure to protect its own women. Can one ask what the newly established national council on gender-based violence and femicide is currently doing. They have to work alongside the social development departments, health departments, basic education departments and the police. Coordination is needed. Would this council need more time to find its feet, or has it been asleep behind the wheel since it was formed in November 2024? It is important that government bring boots closer to community. It is important to expand community-policing partnerships to proactively address localised criminal issues, particularly in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and the Eastern Cape. The past month, four teachers were found guilty of sexual assault and improper sexual behaviour towards learners. The Education Lavour Relations Councill dismissed the teachers, two from Gauteng and one each from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, after finding them guilty of sexual misconduct. In the Eastern Cape, a report by news24 and City Press exposed widespread sexual harassment of women in the Eastern Cape Provincial government, and a sex-for-jobs culture. A gender advocate shared how 110 women shared shocking details with her on how they were subjected to sexual harassment in the Eastern Cape offices. But that investigation by the premier Oscar Mabuyane has come to a standstill. Nothing has happened. The challenges that ordinary South Africans face, is that the public has become almost accustomed to these abuses. It has become a new normal. That is why an organization like 1000 Women Trust is such an important role player in creating awareness of GBV. On Tuesday 25 th March and on the 25 th day of each month, women and a few good men will be wearing Orange to create awareness of gender-based violence in South Africa. 1000 Women Trust has recently established Project Orange – the creation of safe spaces and rooms and offices where GBV-Warriors, who are well trained, assist women and give them counselling and support in the critical 24 hours after a GBV-attack. It is good that the country has 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres to support women subjected to GBV, but it is not nearly sufficient as there are numerous GBV-hot spots and the Thuthuzela Cae Centres do not cover all the hotspots. And that is why Project Orange is a game-changer and a life-saver. “We ask all people to wear Orange tomorrow as part of 1000 Women’s Project Orange and #maketheworldORANGE,”says Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. The 1000 Women Trust is a Women's Organizations that aim to raise awareness around Gender-Based Violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development. For more information about 1000 Women Trust, send us a mail to info@1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.
