S.Africa: Hundreds protest violence against women

By Hassan Isilow

PRETORIA, South Africa (AA) - Hundreds of people marched Saturday in South Africa’s capital Pretoria to condemn a recent spate of rapes, murders, and attacks on women across the country.

The men’s march, organized by the #NotInMyName movement, was aimed at raising awareness of violence against women and showing solidarity with them.

‘‘On behalf of all men of South Africa, I would like to apologize to you. We have failed you,’’ protest organizer Siyabulelela Jentile told the crowd.

He said men had been quiet for too long, turning a blind eye when they saw women being abused.

The march also attracted several women, some of them carrying signs with slogans such as “Stop raping and killing us,” “Respect woman,” “Man up,” and “Stop rape’’.

Another protest organizer, Kholofelo Masha, said men have now taken a stand against abusing women, and women can count on them for support.

“For a long time, men have been very quiet. No man should beat a woman or rape a woman while you’re watching,” he said.

Many women and children have been killed in South Africa this month, amid rising national condemnation.

In April 2012 Interpol called South Africa “the rape capital of the world,” saying that fewer than 1 percent of rape cases are reported to police.

The body of a 22-year-old Johannesburg student, Karabo Mokoena, was found burned after she went missing last month. She was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, who is currently in police custody.

President Jacob Zuma has urged South Africans to unite against attacks and killings of women and children.

“The nation must forge a united front with law enforcement authorities, government, and all sectors of society in fighting this appalling scourge,’’ he said.