Zinhle Mapumulo

Zinhle Mapumulo

Pupils at Mosengavhazimu Primary School in Diepsloot, together with the Family Life Centre and the Department of Social Development, took to the streets yesterday against gender violence.

The march was part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

The pupil's march ended with the handing over of a memorandum to the Justice Department.

The department's Daluxolo Mjikeliso accepted the memorandum.

Speaking to the marchers, school principal Rosa Kgodumo said "enough is enough".

"Our children are being abused every day. We, as women, are being beaten up by our husbands and nothing happens to the perpetrators. As the community of Diepsloot we are demanding that justice be done," said Kgodumo.

She said: "We are tired of men who think that they can abuse vulnerable children and women and get way with it. We want to see perpetrators behind bars.

"There is nothing more diminishing than to report a case of rape at the police station. The perpetrator gets arrested, but the next day is seen roaming the streets. This sort of behaviour must end. The justice system must protect victims and not criminals."

Members of the local Men's Forum also joined the march.