South Africa’s gender violence crisis: When will Schools become Safe Havens?

The alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl at a South African school—uncovered a year after the incident—has reignited fury over the country’s unchecked gender-based violence (GBV) epidemic.

Protesters in Pretoria, dressed in black, demanded accountability, with Miss South Africa 2024 Mia le Roux calling it a “national disaster.”

But beyond the outrage lies a disturbing pattern: schools, meant to be sanctuaries, are increasingly crime scenes.

While 66% of rapes occur at home, public spaces—including educational institutions—are no longer safe. Activist Themba Masango stressed, “Men must lead the change,” yet systemic failures persist.

Authorities have pledged task forces and tighter security, but critics dismiss these as hollow gestures.

With 12,000 reported rapes in 2023 (and countless unreported), trust in institutions is eroding.

The delayed response to this case underscores a brutal truth: South Africa’s GBV crisis isn’t just about crime—it’s about a culture of impunity.

As protests spread, the question isn’t whether another commission will form, but whether classrooms will ever be protected. Without drastic action, the next headline could be about another child.