31 March 2025
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) National Gender Structure expresses its profound outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl, affectionately known as Cwecwe, within the premises of Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, approximately five months ago. This heinous act, committed against an innocent child, is yet another tragic reminder of the ongoing violence against the most vulnerable members of our society. The rape of children in South Africa and worldwide is a crisis of harrowing proportions, and we refuse to remain silent while perpetrators are protected by complicit institutions and authorities that fail in their duty to safeguard our children.
This incident paints a grim picture of a system where capitalist exploitation and patriarchal violence intersect, creating unbearable conditions of suffering for the most vulnerable. Even more appalling is the blatant obstruction of justice by the school principal, who has allegedly refused to cooperate with law enforcement by declining to provide a DNA sample. The inaction and protectionism displayed by Bergview College’s management in handling this case further expose how institutions meant to protect children are instead complicit in their harm. We strongly reject this deliberate attempt to thwart justice, which reflects a deeply flawed system where the interests of the elite and institutional power take precedence over the safety and rights of children.
We invoke Section 28 of the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution, which explicitly guarantees the protection of children from all forms of harm, abuse, and neglect. The failure to hold perpetrators accountable for this grave violation within a supposedly safe learning environment is an unacceptable breach of this fundamental right. The State and its institutions have a constitutional duty to act decisively in ensuring that every child is protected and that both perpetrators and those shielding them face the full force of the law.
As the DENOSA National Gender Structure, we reaffirm the principles of the Bill of Rights, which state that:
“A child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.”
In light of this, we call upon all progressive forces—trade unions, civil society organizations, religious formations, women’s rights groups, and every justice-seeking individual—to stand in solidarity with Cwecwe’s family. We must mobilize, agitate, and demand justice, not only for Cwecwe but for all children who have suffered from sexual violence. The oppression of children through sexual abuse is yet another manifestation of a deeply unjust system that prioritizes power and privilege over human dignity.
DENOSA’s National Gender Structure demands:
· Immediate and decisive action against the school principal, including his full cooperation with the law.
· Thorough due diligence regarding the deregistration of the school for its failure to protect children.
· Swift prosecution of all those involved, with no tolerance for cover-ups.
· Strengthened child protection laws and accountability measures in schools and learning institutions.
· Mass mobilization to demand justice and establish a zero-tolerance culture for violence against children.
· Comprehensive support and care for Cwecwe’s family to ensure their well-being.
The fight for a just and humane society will remain incomplete until our children are truly safe. No child should live in fear of sexual violence or abuse. The time for mere condemnation has passed—we must act decisively, organize, and fight for a future where children can grow up in safety and dignity.
#Justice for Cwecwe! Justice for all the children of South Africa! The time for action is now!
THE END
Issued by:
DENOSA NATIONAL GENDER STRUCTURE
Chairperson: Khutlang Lethena
Contact: 073 966 8359 Email: khutlang17@gmail.com
Secretary: Ntsako Mathebula
Contact : 082 929 2864 Email: ntsakobetty@gmail.com
