GBV crisis not a side issue

While South Africa has positioned itself as a global leader in advocating for Palestinian liberation, one critical question remains: who is fighting for the rights of South African women and children?

- Blessing Mathabela

But many South Africans are left to wonder why the same level of commitment and urgency is not being directed towards addressing the challenges of violence, inequality and neglect that plague our communities. Taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was not just a matter of principle; it was a costly process funded by taxpayers. What does it mean to champion human rights abroad while neglecting them at home?

South Africa's gender-based violence (GBV) crisis is nothing short of a war against women and children. Every six hours, a woman is killed in South Africa, often by someone she knows.

Rape statistics are among the highest in the world and for many survivors, justice is either delayed or denied.