South Africans are standing strong against the tragic rape of 7-year-old Cwecwe. This incident highlights the urgent need to combat Gender-Based Violence in our country.
Speaking at the annual Uyinene Mrwetyana Memorial Lecture held at Kingswood College in the Eastern Cape. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, said, understandably, people are fuming over the rape of Cwecwe; however, now is the time to unite in action against the violence perpetrated against women and children.
Gwarube stated, "This event is not just to honor the memory of a remarkable young woman whose life was taken far too soon, but also to reflect on what we must do going forward to protect and empower women and children."
This event seeks not only to honor the memory of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a former student at the University of Cape Town who was raped and killed in Claremont in 2019, but also to facilitate conversations among the public on how to combat the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national pandemic in his 2021 State of the Nation Address and called for the nation to join hands in fighting it to protect women and children.
Gwarube mentioned, "Uyinene was for all of us a call to action, a moment to reflect on the unacceptably high levels of violence against women and children in our country, and a moment to acknowledge that the government failed her as it fails countless women and young children daily."
Gwarube called for swift action to confront not only this specific case but all similar cases nationwide. "We cannot simply be angry. We must let that anger fuel us into action. This child was brutally violated, and her perpetrators are yet to be found and prosecuted."
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta expressed that the crime against Cwecwe is deeply concerning and serves as a stark reminder of the systemic failures that perpetuate violence against children, particularly girls.
Makaneta remarked, "The safety and well-being of our children are non-negotiable, and it is our collective responsibility as a society to ensure that they are protected from harm. We owe it to Cwecwe and her family to guarantee that justice is served and that no child ever has to endure what she suffered. Let us stand together to demand justice for Cwecwe and to create a safer, more just society for all our children."
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and SAPS have attempted to reassure the public that the rape of Cwecwe is being handled with seriousness and priority following an uproar.
The alleged abuse occurred on the Matatiele school premises in October 2024 while the child waited for transport.
Now, the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation has called for urgency on the matter.
"Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support go out to Cwecwe and her family during this harrowing time. No child should ever have to endure such unimaginable trauma, and no family should be left in the dark, fighting for justice alone.
"It is unacceptable that, nearly six months after this horrific incident, no one has been held accountable. Justice delayed is justice denied," said the foundation.
It urged authorities to guarantee that the culprit is identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The group also stated that it is deplorable that a case of this gravity has failed to result in an arrest, despite obvious leads and vital evidence being available.
The foundation applauded the Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, for revoking the school's operating license and budget.
Gade claimed that the principal at the school was a suspect in the case and would be arrested.
"During the week, he is either going to court or is going to be arrested. He is a suspect and deliberately did not report the case of this child for almost a month and a half until the state organs got the information via the parent," Gade told Newzroom Afrika.
He went on to label the educator as being irresponsible and accused him of concealing information, asserting that more children may have been raped on the premises.
"He tried to hide in defence of the institution's brand at the expense of the children. I am seriously concerned about the safety of the ones who have not yet reported having been raped in the school."
Meanwhile, Parliament's Select Committee on Education, Sciences, and the Creative Industries has expressed disappointment over the Eastern Cape Department of Education's handling of Cwecwe's suspected rape case.
Chairperson Makhi Feni criticised the department's response, particularly its decision to deregister the private school, arguing that it does not address the serious issue of child sexual violation.
Feni emphasised that the department's actions following the October 2024 incident were insufficient.
"The deregistration of Bergview College does not address the sexual violation of a child, and it’s not clear what this action from the department in the Eastern Cape seeks to achieve," he said.
The committee is calling for accountability, demanding that the alleged perpetrator and any potential accomplices be arrested immediately.
Meanwhile, AfriForum has received public backlash in connection with the case of Cwecwe.
The school's principal is being represented by AfriForum in the matter, which has received public outcry under #JusticeforCwecwe.
However, the organisation told the IOL that it would never represent anyone accused of rape.
"AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit represents the Bergview College principal against an abuse of process. We categorically state that he is not accused of rape. Our official letters will indicate our view and approach. The PPU unit has never and will never defend accused persons in rape matters and has not done so in the past," said communications manager, Barry Bateman.
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) the Inkatha Freedon Party and others have have condemned the alleged rape of Cwecwe
Eight-year-old award winning influencer Sbahle Mzizi who is the daughter of actress and presenter Ntando Duma and DJ, Junior De Rocka, has added her voice to the growing calls for justice for 7-year-old child, Cwecwe, who was raped at Bergview College, in the Eastern Cape.
Mzizi posted a video on her Instagram account, which has 1.1 million followers.
The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Favourite African Kidfluencer of the Year Award 2022 winner began her video by eloquently introducing herself and explaining why she was doing the video.
“Recently, I’ve heard about a girl who is 7 years old and has been violated at school, a place that is meant to keep us safe, but instead, they did something very disturbing.
“So I am asking you to please join us in demanding justice for Cwecwe. We need to make sure that all schools are safe places for all children and we need to make sure that the people who are supposed to take care of us are actually doing their job.
“Let’s work together to make sure that no child goes through what Cwecwe went through.”