Joburg residents reclaim Rhodes Park
07 December 2015
More than 2 000 Johannesburg residents on Saturday December 5 reclaimed ownership of Kensington’s Rhodes Park – the scene of two brutal murders, rape and sexual assault after a group of thugs attacked two couples walking through the public space on October 17.
The event, to mark the 10th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse campaign, was organised by the Gauteng Provincial Government in partnership with the Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo.
The day’s activities included a cycling race and fun walk, which culminated in a family day of fun and entertainment “to build healthy families and a caring society”.
Gauteng MEC for Safety and Security Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane said the purpose of the event was to reclaim Rhodes Park as “our own” after the attack that left two men dead and their female partners emotionally drained and scarred for life. The women, described by Nkosi-Malobane as “very strong”, also attended the event.
Their partners were tied up and thrown into the nearby dam. The women watched helplessly as their partners battled in vain to stay alive. One of the women was raped and the other sexually assaulted. After the incident, which shocked the whole country, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau announced a partnership would be initiated to root out criminal elements at all the City's recreational facilities. Two men have since been arrested and have already appeared in court in connection the brutal incident.
MEC Nkosi-Malobane said the late former President Nelson Mandela, who passed away exactly two years ago on Saturday, did not die in vain but left a good legacy.
Quoting him, she said: “People learn to hate but if you can learn to hate you can learn to love.”
The MEC said it was not human nature to hate others, adding that it was high time for those who hated others to start loving them.
“Having differences at home does not mean we should use violence against our women and children. You can’t solve problems through violence. There is no love that involves violence and abuse. Mothers think raising children is the duty of one parent. Both parents should take responsibility of raising their children because if you don’t these children will become victims of child abuse.
“Let’s refrain from violence because violence begets violence. Women who are abused and raped should speak up. Professional women should also tell the world about their horrible experiences."
Councillor Zarina Motala, Chairperson of the City’s Section 79 Committee on Community Development, said by supporting the call by civil society to highlight the plight of abused women and children, the Gauteng Government and City Parks & Zoo wanted people to follow in Mandela's footsteps.