Beyond 16 Days launched to expose ‘weakest links in GBV-response chain’

Death of three women in Matjhabeng municipality during RememberHER-campaign causes uproar, anger The gender-based violence related murders of three women from the Matjhabeng local municipality during 16 days of activism against GBV and femicide, has caused an uproar in the Free State just days before a RememberHer-meeting in Welkom. The woman-led organization 1000 Women Trust launched RememberHER, a nationwide mobilization to honour the women and children whose lives were lost through gender-based violence, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and femicide. “Through storytelling, remembrance, and collective healing, we invite all women’s organisations nationwide to join hands with us by creating “memory corners” – sacred spaces where communities can gather, reflect, and heal,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, when announcing the RememberHER-initiative. The death of Mpho Gladys Nkhobo (46), stabbed to death by her husband in the Matjhabeng local Municipality, has rocked the communities. Glenda Roberts (61), an experienced social worker at the Welkom-office of the Lejwelaputsai-district, was mugged and stabbed to death on her way to work in the morning. And Masesi Merriam Saudi from Thabong, also in the Matjabeng local municipality, was murdered. Sy was on her way to work when she went missing. Says Cynthia Khumalo, a GBV-Warrior and ambassador of 1000 Women Trust: “The Bothaville, Henneman, Odendaalsrus, Welkom and Bultfontein areas are hot spots of gender-based violence and femicide in the Lejweleputswa district.” With regards to rape and sexual offences, the Free State recorded the second highest rape ratio in the country (24.4 %), with significant increases in sexual assaults in some quarters. “We mourn the senseless killings of three innocent women,” said Thiart. “GBVF has just been declared a national disaster. It is pivotal that the South African Police Force (SAPF) act swiftly and decisively to arrest the murderers of these women and that justice is served without delay,” said Thiart. “We need to send the right message to the communities about GBVF,” she added. Thiart said one of the objectives of RememberHER during 16 days of activism is to honour the women who lost their lives through GBV. The scale of GBV is horrific is shocking. Between April 2023 and March 2024, 5,578 women were murdered in South Africa. In just the first quarter of 2025, the country lost 837 women through femicide. That translates to roughly nine women killed every single day. 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on (061)4690479.

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 23RD NOVEMBER 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1000 Women Trust launch RememberHER, to honour women and children who lost lives through GBV The woman-led organization 1000 Women Trust has launched RememberHER, a nationwide mobilization to honour the women and children whose lives were lost through gender-based violence, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and femicide. Says Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust: “Through storytelling, remembrance, and collective healing, we invite all women’s organisations nationwide to join hands with us by creating “memory corners” – sacred spaces where communities can gather, reflect, and heal. “These spaces serve as living memorials, ensuring that the names and stories of victims are never forgotten, while offering survivors and families a place of real comfort and solidarity,” said Thiart. She added that the scale of GBV is horrific is shocking. Between April 2023 and March 2024, 5,578 women were murdered in South Africa. In just the first quarter of 2025, the country lost 837 women through femicide. That translates to roughly nine women killed every single day. “Through RememberHer, we are reclaiming the places where women were silenced and transforming them into sanctuaries of voice, dignity, and legacy. Every story collected is a voice reclaimed. Every memory corner is a step toward healing and justice,” Thiart added. To the families left behind, our message is clear: You are not alone. Your pain is shared. Your daughter’s name will live on. The RememberHER-initiative is part of a broader movement to transform grief into action, ensuring that remembrance leads to advocacy, healing, and systemic change. “Be part of RememberHER by showing up and registering your organisation as a partner or host a local remembrance activity,” said Thiart. “Speak up by sharing names and stories to the RememberHER archive, and amplify by using your platforms. Tag @1000women1voice and use #RememberHER #PowerInEveryVoice,” Thiart asked. Visualise by mobilising people to wear orange, light candles, or create art, Thiart added. Thiart issued a call to action. “Media houses, community leaders, and the public are invited to cover and support the RememberHER projects during the 16 Days campaign. Together, we can ensure that the lives of women and children lost to GBV are honored, remembered, and never erased,” Thiart added. Contact Information Tina Thiart Co-Founder –1000 Women Trust 📧 Email: projects@1000women.co.za 📞 Phone: +27607597099 🌍 Website: www.1000women.co.za Tina Thiart Contact: womensfundsa@gmail.com Mobile Phone: +27 732079079 South Africa

Declare GBV a national disaster, not just a crisis, demands 1000 Women Trust The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust has joined Women for Change and millions of Women in South Africa demanded that gender-based violence be declared a national disaster, not just a crisis. “Declaring gender-based violence a national disaster, would unlock emergency powers, funding and coordinated action across all levels of government. We need urgent resources, rapid protection, and accountability, not more speeches,” Thiart added. The definition of a national crisis means the acknowledgement that gender-based violence is widespread, severe, and urgent. The implication of such a declaration of GBV as a crisis is that it is treated as a serious social problem requiring policy attention, awareness campaigns, and programmatic interventions. “Government may frame GBV as a crisis in speeches, strategies, or plans, but it does not automatically trigger extraordinary legal or financial mechanisms. Resources are allocated through existing budgets and ministries, for example, justice, police, social development, Response often depends on political will and competing priorities,” Thiart added. But if GBV is declared a national disaster, elevates it to the same level as floods, pandemics and other emergencies, Thiart said. It unlocks extraordinary powers and funding mechanisms — including emergency relief budgets, coordination through the National Disaster Management Centre, and mandatory action across all spheres of government. It enables rapid mobilisation of resources, interdepartmental coordination, and accountability structures that go beyond ordinary policy responses, Thiart said. It signals that GBV is not just a social issue but a systemic emergency threatening national stability, safety, and development. Thiart said framing it as a crisis, risks that GBV is treated as “important but optional,” subject to political cycles, Thiart said. Declaring it as a disaster, forces the state to act with urgency, coordination, and measurable accountability — recognising GBV as a threat to the nation’s survival, dignity, and constitutional rights. “For survivors and communities, this shift means greater access to emergency support, protection, and resources, not just long-term policy promises,” Thiart said. “In short, crisis acknowledges the pain; disaster demands the response,” Thiart emphasized. DeclareGBVaDisaster #1000women1voice #EndGBV #EmergencyResponseNow #NotOneMore #Enoughisenough 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. South Africa grapples with alarming GBV statistics. In 2024 alone, Minister Bheki Cele reported over 10,500 rapes, 1,500 attempted murders, and 14,400 assaults against women in just three months. Tragically, 881 women were murdered during the same period. Regrettably, we rank third globally in rape cases, highlighting the urgency of our mission. At 1000 Women Trust, we stand with survivors and the organisations supporting them. We believe in equipping women with knowledge, skills, and resources to chart their own paths towards solutions. Our efforts aim to inspire, educate, and empower women, driving towards gender equality in our communities. For more information about 1000 Women Trust, contact us on 0614690479 or send us a mail on info@1000women.co.za

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 12 TH NOVEMBER 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1000 Women Trust empowers councilors to expand Talking to Boys-program, negating toxic masculinity The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust is launching a comprehensive formal training program on Saturday 15 th November to utilize 200 men as facilitators of a nationwide Talking to Boys-initiative. It is done to help reshape the male identity of South African toddlers, teens and adults by embracing non-violence, gender equality and kindness as a lifestyle and negating toxic masculinity that fuels gender-based violence, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of the Talking to Boys-initiative and co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. Thiart said between July and September 2024, 957 women were murdered, and 10 191 rapes were reported, while 1567 women survived attempted murders. The Human Science Research Council also published a research paper late last year that revealed that 33.1 % of SA women aged 18 or older, suffered physical violence during their lifetime from a male partner. “In order to change this depressing reality, you have to transform the hearts and minds of young men who face a complex web of challenges intersecting with poverty, violence, cultural expectations and systemic neglect,” Thiart said. “And that is why our office manager, Bianca Charles, and s group of social workers have developed a manual on talking to boys, and 200 facilitators will undergo training and then share the Talking to Boys-program with toddlers and teens in all communities, including GBV-hotspots,” Thiart said. If this program and many other like-minded programs, which encourage positive masculinity, are rolled out successfully, South Africa will raise a new generation of young men who no longer subscribe to the harmful notion that a woman is the subordinate or possession of a man, Thiart said. “Many boys grow up without access to counselling, mentorship, or safe spaces for emotional growth,” said Thiart. “Cultural norms often discourage boys from expressing emotions, leading to internalized trauma. “With high rates of fatherlessness, many boys lack healthy examples of masculinity. -“Boys often witness and internalize toxic masculinity, including aggression and dominance,” Thiart said. “Societal expectations push boys to “man up,” discouraging empathy and emotional intelligence. “Boys are both witnesses and, at times, victims of violence, which shapes their worldview,” Thiart said. “There are few structured programs to guide boys through adolescence into adulthood,” Thiart added. “Without affirmation or guidance, boys may feel disconnected from their communities and futures,” Thiart added. Thiart credited the role of several World Cup-hugging national sportsmen whose programs contribute to community, nation-building and positive masculinity. Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s first-ever black Springbok-captain, Kolisi rose from poverty in Zwide to lead the Springboks to double World Cup-triumphs. He is a global advocate for racial equity, responsible fatherhood and GBV-prevention through the Kolisi-foundation. Kagiso Rabada, a fast bowler who spearheaded the Proteas to the test championship title at Lord’s in June, Kg is known for his calm leadership and commitment to youth development. He is vocal about mental health and uses his platform to promote education and social justice. Lucas Radebe, a former Bafana-captain and Leeds United-legend, Radebe is celebrated for his humility, mentorship and anti-violence advocacy. He has long been involved in youth upliftment and community sports programs. Wayde van Niekerk, Olympic gold medallist and record-holder in the 400 m, Van Niekerk is a symbol of discipline and perseverance. He is actively involved in mentoring young athletes and promoting sports as a tool for transformation. Cheslin Kolbe, known for his electrifying speed and game-breaking soli runs, Kolbe’s journey from Kraaifontein to international stardom inspires youth in under resourced communities. He has been praised for his humility and family-centred values. These sport stars challenge stereotypes, defies narrow definitions of masculinity – model care, vulnerability and leadership. They also give back through their foundations, mentorships and advocacy and invest in the next generation, said Thiart. Thiart said a key element of 1000 Women Trust’s Talking to Boys-program is that fathers are inspired to make time to share and model values with their boys like consent, boundaries, respect and non-violence towards girls. “Through our course material, we convey the truths to boys that boys and girls are equal and worth of utmost respect. Fathers must demonstrate that equality by setting an example, by treating their wives with enormous respect, and telling both their sons and daughters how special they are and why he is proud of both the boy and the girl. “That equal affirmation of both the boy and the girl are equal and no gender is subordinate to the other,” Thiart said. In the 1000 Women Trust Talking to Boys program, the counsellors who lead will build safe, healing spaces where boys can ask questions, share fears and learn what it means to be a respectful, empowered young man, Thiart said. “We encourage fathers to make time to talk to their boys at home, in schools, on the field and in your community. “Share your journey. Model accountability and listen deeply. This is not about perfection. It is about presence. “” Because when men show up and make time with their boys, boys grow up differently,” Thiart said. 1000 Women Trust-facilitators in the Talking to Boys-sessions, will engage in certain activities with young boys like talking about “What makes good men” and “What positive masculinity look like”. “Through our Talking to Boys-initiative we not only want to encourage fathers to invest time with their boys. We also want to inspire grandparents, uncles and aunts to invest times with boys in their foundational phase,” Thiart said. “We say this because according to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report, over 64 % of children do not live with their biological fathers, but many are raised by grandparents,” Thiart added. For more information about the Talking to Boys-program, visit the website on www.talkingtoboys.co.za , or visit www.1000women.co.za or send an email to info@1000women.co.za or find the Trust on Whatsupp on (061) 4690479.. About 1000 Women Trust The 1000 Women Trust is a South African organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. The trust empowers women through training, skills development, and resources, and advocates for human rights to create a safer environment for women and girls. It is co-founded by Tina Thiart and has been active for 21 tears, For media enquiries: For more information or English interviews, contact Tina Thiart on 0816970200 or Bianca Charles on 0730903363 or Cynthia Khumalo on 0723862771 . Or contact Zyboonisa Moola Adams on 0815208562 .

Thiart warns that many South African schools are not adequately equipped to address bullying and are failing to take timely action. Many South African schools are ill-prepared to deal with the scourge of bullying that affects 3.2 million learners annually because they do not step up efforts to establish a comprehensive anti-bullying and zero-tolerance policy, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, a women-led organization and a pioneer in the field of anti-bullying. “It is our responsibility to educate the learners and parents about anti-bully policies and develop a culture of no bullying and restorative practices to prevent this national scourge,” Thiart warned. Thiart spoke in the wake of the assault at Milnerton High School in Cape Town last week where several boys, aged 17 and 18, are seen on video repeatedly hitting a Grade 10-learner with various objects, including a hockey stick, hose pipe and belt and also verbally assaulting him. “The horrifying incident at Milnerton High is not an isolated bullying event as 57 % of SA learners experience bullying in their lifetime. Yet, our research shows that many schools are simply not prepared to deal with this scourge,” Thiart said. “Parents participating in the 1000 Women Trust anti-bully training visited 279 South African schools over the past 365 days and established that only 50 % of them had anti-bullying policies, while only 81 of these schools could share the policies,” said Thiart. “None of those 81 schools had restorative practices for bullying,” Thiart added. “Following the tragic suicide of grade 10 Limpopo girl Lufano Mavhanga after a severe bullying incident in 2021, we sent a team to Limpopo to kick off an anti-bullying campaign and shared our comprehensive anti-bullying toolkit with the schools,” Thiart said. “Schools must establish an anti-bullying and zero-tolerance policy with input from all members of the school community to determine how the school will implement rules of conduct. They must devise a bullying prevention plan that involves all stakeholders in addressing unacceptable actions and in knowing how to endorse positive behaviour,” Thiart said. “During the recent incident at Milnerton High, reports said the footage indicate some learners standing by and recording the assault, while others are encouraging the attackers. At 1000 Women Trust, we educate bystanders on their role to support the victim and become positive upstanders,” Thiart added. “We encourage schools to participate in anti-bullying campaigns and organise workshops for teachers and parents. Involve all learners in the anti-bully campaign” Thiart said. “We must act now. Bullying is linked to gender-based violence as our experience show that 90 % of bullies will become perpetrators of gender-based violence,” Thiart said. “At 1000 Women Trust, we provide counselling to the bully and victim, we also support the school to develop an anti-bully policy and include restorative practices to support all stakeholders,” said Thiart. The 1000 Women Trust invite all parents, teachers and community leaders to participate in its anti-bully training, it is free and on Whatsapp. Schools can also download the training manual from the website www.bullying.co.za or contact (0614690479 for Infographics to use in educating the school about bullying. Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on (073) 2079079 or Bianca Charles on (073) 0903363

October Awareness: A month to heal, unite and empower By Zyboonisa Moola Adams 1000 Women Trust Ambassador October is a month of deep reflection, courage, and compassion — a time when our collective focus turns to Mental Health Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Domestic Violence Awareness. It is a month that reminds us that healing is not only physical, but emotional and spiritual — and that our health, safety, and peace of mind are all connected. Across South Africa and the world, October shines as a beacon of hope — painted in three powerful colours: Green for Mental Health Awareness, Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, and Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness. Each ribbon carries its own message, but together they weave a story of resilience, awareness, and empowerment. Mental Health Awareness Mental health affects how we think, feel, and live each day. Yet too many still suffer in silence, fearing stigma or judgment. This October, we are reminded that it’s okay not to be okay — and it’s brave to seek help. Emotional wellness is the foundation upon which we build strong families and thriving communities. Healing begins with conversation. Let us break the silence, offer listening ears, and create safe spaces where no one feels alone. The pink ribbon stands as a symbol of strength, early detection, and sisterhood. Breast cancer continues to impact the lives of thousands of women and families each year. But with awareness, education, and regular screenings, lives can be saved. Let this month inspire every woman to prioritise her health — to do self-examinations, attend screenings, and encourage others to do the same. Early detection truly saves lives. Behind every survivor is a story of faith, endurance, and community support. Together, we wear pink to honour them — and to remind others that hope is stronger than fear. Domestic violence remains one of the greatest threats to women and families across our nation. It hides in silence, behind closed doors, and under the weight of shame. But it must be confronted with truth, support, and courage. As an ambassador with the 1000 Women Trust, I have seen the power of women standing together — breaking the cycle of violence through empowerment, trauma counselling, and education. No woman should ever have to choose between safety and survival. Let us build communities that say no more — no more fear, no more silence, no more abuse. A month of collective healing, October is not just about awareness — it is about action. It is about reaching out to someone struggling with their mental health, encouraging a loved one to book a screening, and offering support to a survivor seeking safety. Healing begins when we stand together — when compassion becomes our common language. Let us wear our ribbons with pride — green, pink, and purple — as symbols of unity, strength, and hope. Together, we can build a world where mental health is prioritised, illness is met with support, and violence is replaced with love and respect. 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. South Africa grapples with alarming GBV statistics. In 2023 alone, Minister Bheki Cele reported over 10,500 rapes, 1,500 attempted murders, and 14,400 assaults against women in just three months. Tragically, 881 women were murdered during the same period. Regrettably, we rank third globally in rape cases, highlighting the urgency of our mission. At 1000 Women, we stand with survivors and the organisations supporting them. We believe in equipping women with knowledge, skills, and resources to chart their own paths towards solutions. Our efforts aim to inspire, educate, and empower women, driving towards gender equality in our communities. For more information, visit 1000 Women Trust on www.1000women.co.za or email us on info@1000women.co.za .

CAPE TOWN. - Esmé Julies is providing a bed and a meal to homeless children in Kalkfontein, a safe space for abused women and hope for young people seeking employment. But her transformation would not have been possible if she did not seek professional help while married to an abusive husband. “In October 2024, the HSRC’s first national study on GBV revealed that 33.1 % of women aged 18 years and older had experienced physical violence in their lifetime. This translated to an estimated 7310 389 women when generalised to the SA population. I was part of those 33.1 % women,” said Julies. “I was married to a husband for 16 years. At the infancy stage of our relationship, all went well. But gradually, I found out that my husband had a relationship with another woman. When I confronted him because he was never at home, he became violent. “He once hit me with a shovel. On another occasion, I suffered a stab wound after he attacked me with a knife,” she said. “Things changed when I was introduced to the trauma training material of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust,” Julies said. “The trauma training course became a catalyst for my healing,” she said. “The trauma training course equips attendants to know what trauma is, how it manifests and what the body do when one feels traumatized or overwhelmed. It also teaches attendants on how to become a safe space for others who have encountered trauma, to be sympathetic and reflective listeners, and to share skills with the victim of trauma which will equip them to deal effectively with their trauma,” Julies said. “Sharing my experience with others and doing the trauma training course, enabled me to stand up to my husband’s physical, emotional and financial abuse. I also went to court to fight him and I eventually won back my house in court,” Julies says. “The leadership of Tina Thiart of 1000 Women Trust was also a factor and through her I became a GBV-ambassador of the (Western Cape) Department of Social Development,” she said. Julies is a director of the NPO Women rebuilding broken hearts. She daily provides a safe space for homeless children and to women who are survivors of GBV, said Julies in her role as GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust. When asked what her advice would be to women who are caught up in abusive relationships during mental health awareness month, Julies said: “Do not remain silent. Share your story with other people. Join a support group. “Get trauma training, receive some job training and empowerment from business leaders. But don’t suffer in silence and in isolation,” Julies said. 1000 Women Trust works to end gender-based violence (GBV) by empowering women and girls, providing resources and skills, advocating for policy change, raising awareness, and offering direct support through initiatives like GBV Community advice offices, trauma training, and anti-bullying programs. They collaborate with community organizations and government to mobilize resources and support survivors. For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone them on (061) 4690479.

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF SOCIAL IMPACT WITH PEARL: 18 TH SEPTEMBER 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March to parliament on Heritage Day organized to demand reform to justice system CAPE TOWN. - On Heritage Day (24 th September), South Africans will gather outside the Cape Town High Court for the March for Justice, a peaceful civil society action demanding accountability, fairness, and reform to the justice system, said Pearl Walsh, activist and founder of Social Impact With Pearl. “This march is not about one case. It is about systemic failures that touch the lives of women, children, pensioners, GBV survivors, and vulnerable families across South Africa,” Walsh said. “Justice Desk Africa recently said: Justice is the bedrock of any democracy. It is the mechanism by which societies protect their most vulnerable and uphold the rule of law. However, when a justice system fails in its duty to protect and deliver fair outcomes, it does not just betray victims — it fractures the very fabric of our nation, and I am in full agreement,” Walsh added. The case of Timothy Omotoso, a well-documented example of judicial delay and inefficiency, highlights the failures of a system that too often places the burden on victims rather than perpetrators. These failures are also evident in the murder trial of former Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa, who was killed in October 2014. Endless delays and postponements to the case have eroded public trust in the justice system. In September 2021, 15-year-old Zenizole Vena was gang-raped and later died at the Motherwell Police Station. Four years later, her family and friends have seen no justice served for this heinous crime. “This is not just one woman’s fight. It is for every South African who has been silenced by the courts. It is for our children’s future. It is for justice, equality, and truth. We must get rid of the rot in the legal system. What is Heritage without Justice,” said Walsh. “What is freedom without equality? This march is for the people, by the people, to affirm that our Constitution is not just words on paper but a living promise of dignity, fairness, humility, humanity, and accountability. “We march because courts are failing women, children, and vulnerable families. Judges are protecting corrupt lawyers, advocates, forensic specialists, psychologists, mediators, trustees, and executors,” Walsh said. “We march because estates worth millions and billions are being looted through international tax frauds, with support of judges, and with no accountability,” she added. “Self-represented citizens are being silenced instead of supported. “The average citizen does not have access to the courts nor the financial means to afford a lawyer. “The same legal networks that shielded corporate corruption in the past continue unchecked today,” Walsh added. “We demand equal access to justice for all citizens, accountability from judges & the Master of the High Court, the termination of fraudulent liquidation of estates and end to judicial corruption and bias,” Walsh said. “We demand government support for the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) and grassroots lawyers and government support for more mixed-race lawyers and advocates, and more female lawyers and advocates, not only for elite white and Jewish law firms who own buildings built from exorbitant fees charged to citizens. “The state is designed to fail the people, and the Rules of Law are bent backwards for the wealthy clients,” Walsh added. Walsh said many individuals and NGOs will join the march for justice and she expect that a thousand people will join. The march will start at the Cape Town High Court at 10:00 on Heritage Day. The march will take place in collaboration with PMC, 1000 Women Tust, ADHD NDK Foundation, Kevin Alexander Foundation, Tusam Organization, ASIC Media, GBV Support Group, Freedom Front Plus (VF+), Black Lawyers Assocation and funders. About Social Impact With Pearl: It is an initiative that vows to expose judicial dysfunction, protect the vulnerable and bring humility back to humanity through human dignity. Press release compiled on behalf of Social Impact With Pearl. For more information or interviews, contact Pearl Walsh on (076) 6050090 or on pearlwalsh2014@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 8 TH SEPTEMBER 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ‘Increase in extortion by traditional healers, ukuthwala must be investigated’ There is an alarming increase in cases of traditional healers who are abducting young girls and boys and approaching parents to pay extortion money by threatening them that their children will die if they don’t pay, said Thuto Setlogelo, an ambassador of the women-led organization1000 Women Trust and deputy director of risk management at the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. “I have personally handled cases where sangomas took children without the consent of the parents and refused to release them unless they pay extortion money,” said Setlogelo. “I handled the case of a 23-year old girl in Ladybrand when I accompanied the mother from Bloemfontein to fetch the daughter. I have also handled the case of a 25-year old man, also abducted by sangomas without the parents’ consent and who refused to release them unless the parents pay ransom,” said Setlogelo. “These traditional healers have transgressed the ethical code and are clueless about the laws pertaining to bullying and gender-based violence,” said Setlogelo. Setlogelo says she is in talks with the department of health as well as with mor regeneration leaders to do roadshows and workshops in the Free State engaging with traditional leaders so that they can understand the legislation and legal framework. “These sangomas work informally but there is no compliance with the law,” she says. “Some of these traditional healers are bullies who abduct youth and adults into initiation processes without consent of parents and extort parents with threats to the victim that their lives will end tragically if parents do not pay,” she warned. Cynthia Khumalo, an ambassador and board member of 1000 Women Trust, said: “Some self-proclaimed healers see extortion as a quick way to make money. I had a case that a learner was raped by a traditional healer and threatened her that if she says anything about it he is going to kill the whole family,” Khumalo added. “Threats give them control over vulnerable families who fear spiritual consequences,” Khumalo said. Although healers are recognised under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act (2007), many operate informally, outside any code of ethics, Khumalo said. Families fear speaking out because questioning a healer may be seen as disrespectful to ancestors, Khumalo said. Authentic healers serve communities, preserve life, and accept reasonable compensation. Abusers exploit fear, demand unreasonable money, and harm families – they are not healers but extortionists hiding behind culture, Khumalo said. “Payment for healing is part of our culture, but when money is demanded through threats, abduction, or fear, that is no longer healing – it is extortion, it is abuse, and it is criminal,” Khumalo said. Setlogelo said she plans roadshows engaging with traditional healers, where she will personally train them to ensure that they do trauma training courses and an anti-bully course so that they integrate these materials into their initiation schools and abide by a code of conduct. Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, said there must be a renewed spotlight on harmful cultural practices that endanger the lives of young women in South Africa, including abuse by traditional healers and Ukuthwala. “Ukuthwala is the South African term for bride kidnapping, the practice of a man abducting a young girls and forcing her into marriage, often without the consent of her parents. “These marriages by capture occur mainly in rural parts of South Africa, in particular the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal,” Thiart said. “In one year – 2021 – 34 young girls were killed by their “husbands” in the Eastern Cape, and indication that Ukuthwala is still in practice,” Thiart added. Palesa Mbowe, an ambassador and board member of 1000 Women Trust, says in the Eastern Cape cases have been reported where young girls (some as young as 12 or 13) were abducted under the pretense of Ukuthwala and forced into marriages with older men. Survivors described been taken from school, beaten into submission and denied education. Some suffered early pregnancies, health complication and lifelong trauma. “This shown how culture can be twisted into abuse. True African tradition never supported the destruction of children’s futures,” said Mboweni. “There have been cases of women killed by partners who claimed that violence was a form of discipline or manhood,” she added. The practice of Ukuthwala is still rife in the country and is possibly one of the multiple causes of teenage pregnancies. In the past financial year there was more of 122000 teenagers who gave birth, with 2718 young girls aged 10 to 14 and 119587 teens aged 15 to 19, Thiart added. Recently, the Eastern Cape Aids-council revealed that more than 300 girls aged between 10 and 14 gave birth in the Eastern Cape since April 2024. More than 15000 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 gave birth at public healthcare facilities in the 2024/2025 financial year. Some of the cases of girls falling pregnant, have links to Ukuthwala, says Thiart. Khumalo said the abuse of traditional healing and the distortion of Ukuthwala are urgent threats to South Africa’s women and children. These practices are not culture — they are crimes. “We must stop hiding behind the word ‘tradition.’ Ukuthwala is child trafficking, and healer extortion is criminal abuse. Our girls deserve safety, education, and the chance to grow up free from violence,” Khumalo said. Thiart said when a girl of between 10 and 14 falls pregnant, it is statutory rape and should be investigated and the perpetrator must face the consequences of his actions. There must also be a formal investigation into the practices of traditional healers abducting men and women, and of the practice of ukuthwala. The perpetrators of ukuthwala must face lengthy jail time, and the practice must be rooted out and eradicated. Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Palesa Mboweni on 0815175645 or contact Cynthia Khumalo on 0723862771.t 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or visit the website on www.1000women.co.za .