Concern over rural and gender-based violence

Based on alarming ongoing reports of farm murders, as well as assaults of women and children, it seems that South Africa is becoming a more violent country than ever. The harsh reality is that women, and specifically women farmers, simply don’t feel safe in this country.

- MBALI NWOKO

It has been two years since I’ve taken my casual morning run around the neighbourhood because I fear being kidnapped, raped, attacked and then left to die in the open veld somewhere. In addition to that, I’m also a woman farmer.

Every time I travel to and from my farm, I have to be extra-vigilant about whom I interact with, and I’ve become obsessive with the security measures in place on my farm.

You may think I’m exaggerating and blowing the situation out of proportion, but I can guarantee you that many other women living in South Africa share the same sentiments. Who wants to live like this?

SHOCKING CRIME STATISTICS

According to TAU SA, a total of 71 farm attacks and 14 farm murders were recorded between January and March this year, and during the lockdown period from April to June 2020 there were 68 attacks and 12 murders.

For 2019, the organisation recorded 419 farm attacks and 56 farm murders.