ANCWL Free State March
By Thabo Mosia
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the Free State has announced a peaceful march set to take place on Tuesday, 1 April 2025, in a bold stance against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The demonstration, themed #JusticeForCwecwe, will begin at Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein and proceed to the Free State Department of Education.
The march, scheduled from 11h00 to 15h00, is being organised by the ANCWL Provincial Executive Committee. It calls on all members to attend in their WL uniforms as a show of solidarity and unity in the fight for women’s rights and justice for victims of GBVF.
Under the banner “Advancing decisive action toward full liberation and emancipation of women,” the ANCWL says it is intensifying efforts to hold institutions accountable and ensure that the rights of women and girls are protected.
This mobilisation comes amid ongoing national concern over the escalating incidents of GBVF and follows a series of public outcries calling for urgent intervention and justice for affected families.
Background of the Case
The catalyst for this march is the harrowing case of a seven-year-old girl, affectionately known as “Cwecwe,” who was allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October 2024. The incident reportedly occurred while she was waiting for her transport on the school premises. The school’s handling of the case has drawn widespread criticism, particularly after the victim’s mother revealed that, instead of providing support, the school issued a transfer letter for her daughter without any formal request from the family.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has confirmed that DNA samples have been collected from three individuals, including the school’s principal, as part of the investigation. He assured that all outstanding statements have been obtained and that the Senior State Prosecutor will be consulted in the coming week to provide feedback to the family.
However, the investigation has faced challenges. The principal’s alleged refusal to cooperate fully with law enforcement has raised concerns. Civil rights movement NotInMyName has called for an overhaul in how schools handle such sensitive cases, emphasising the need for accountability and justice.
Political and Public Response
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have described the incident as “barbaric” and “inhumane.” EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo criticised law enforcement and the school for failing to protect the young girl and expressed outrage at the lack of urgency in handling the case. The EFF has formally written to the portfolio committee on police, requesting a comprehensive update on the case’s progress.
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has also voiced profound shock and disappointment over the incident. In a statement, the organisation extended solidarity to Cwecwe and her family, stressing the need for swift and decisive action from the Department of Justice. ANCYL secretary-general Mntuwoxolo Ngudle stated, “No child or family should ever have to endure the pain and trauma associated with such a vile and inhumane act.” The ANCYL has demanded that all male teachers and staff members at Bergview College undergo DNA testing to identify the perpetrator and secure justice for the victim.
Civil Society Mobilisation
The case has ignited national outrage, leading to widespread public mobilisation. A petition calling for justice for Cwecwe has garnered over 670,000 signatures, reflecting the collective demand for accountability and systemic change. Activists and community members have organised marches across various cities, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, to protest the mishandling of Cwecwe’s case and the alarming prevalence of GBVF in the country.
Women For Change, a prominent advocacy group, has called for GBVF to be declared a national disaster, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and effective implementation of existing policies to protect women and children.
Government and Institutional Response
In response to the public outcry, the Eastern Cape Department of Education has deregistered Bergview College, citing the school’s failure to provide a safe environment for learners and its mishandling of the incident. Education MEC Fundile Gade stated that the principal’s lack of cooperation with law enforcement led to the deregistration, effective within 24 hours.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has vowed to rid schools of sexual predators, emphasising that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of pupils. She highlighted the necessity of vetting all individuals who come into contact with children against the national sexual offenders register.
Historical Context and Ongoing Struggle
The ANCWL’s planned march echoes a long history of women’s activism in South Africa. Notably, between 1912 and 1918, the Bantu Women’s League led an anti-pass campaign in the Orange Free State, protesting against discriminatory laws requiring non-white women to carry documentation restricting their movement into urban areas. This historical parallel underscores the enduring struggle for women’s rights and safety in the country.
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