The recent discovery of 14-year-old Likhona Fose’s mutilated body has reignited national outrage over the country’s ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse. Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, director of Wise 4 Afrika, weighed in on the issue during a televised interview, condemning the systemic failures that perpetuate violence against women and children.
A Nation in Crisis
The murder of Likhona Fose follows a disturbing trend of femicides and child killings that have left communities in fear. Just days before her body was found, residents in her area marched to a local police station to demand action against rising crime—a plea that went unanswered.
Advocate Madumise-Pajibo expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s never a good day in South Africa because these cases happen daily. Some make it to the media; many don’t.” She highlighted the lack of police resources and capacity to effectively combat crime in a country of 60 million people, where gender-based violence, kidnappings, and sexual assaults remain rampant.
Systemic Failures and Impunity
Madumise-Pajibo criticized the government’s failure to ensure safe living conditions, particularly in under-resourced areas lacking basic services like water, electricity, and proper policing. “When there’s no visible policing, impunity takes precedence over law and order,” she said.
She also pointed to deep-rooted societal issues, referencing a recent national study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which revealed that many South African men still believe women should “obey” them. “If a woman doesn’t comply, violence is often the response,” she noted, emphasizing the urgent need for behavioral change among men.
Victim-Blaming and Toxic Masculinity
A recurring issue in GBV cases is victim-blaming, which Madumise-Pajibo condemned as a deflection from accountability. “Men are not speaking out enough,” she said, urging men to challenge each other on toxic masculinity and support positive behavioral change.
She called for stronger engagement in men’s forums and organizations that promote healthy masculinity, stressing that societal attitudes must shift to protect women and children.
Child Protection: A Collective Responsibility
With South Africa observing Child Protection Week, Madumise-Pajibo highlighted the vulnerability of children to abuse—whether at home, in schools, or in communities. She cited high-profile cases like Joslin Smith and a young boy found in a shallow grave, allegedly killed by his mother and a sangoma.
“We all have a duty to act when we see abuse,” she insisted, calling for better training for teachers, social workers, and law enforcement to identify and report child abuse. “If you see violence, report it—don’t justify it or look away.”
A Call to Action
As the nation mourns yet another young life lost, Madumise-Pajibo’s message was clear: South Africa must address GBV and child abuse through systemic reforms, community vigilance, and a cultural shift in gender norms.
“It’s not one person’s responsibility—it’s all of ours,” she said. “Until we act, the violence will continue.”
The government faces mounting pressure to implement tangible solutions, but for now, grief and anger remain as families bury their loved ones—victims of a crisis that shows no signs of slowing.
#EndGBV #JusticeForLikhona #ProtectOurChildren
