Mark Kleinschmidt, Ward 60 councillor
During Women’s Month, we celebrated women and their achievements, but ironically lamented the anniversary of the brutal rape and murder of 19-year-old UCT student, Uyinene “Nene” Mrwetyana.
Celebrating the life of Nene, hundreds of mourners flocked to the Clareinch post office in Claremont, placing bouquets and messages of condolences on the handrails.
When my wife and I arrived, the atmosphere was solemn, and some women wept. Just a few days ago, we learned of the horrendous murder of two young women, Amahle Quku, 17, of Philippi and Nomvuzo Atloli, 22, whose body was found in the Siyanyanzela informal settlement. How many more women must suffer abuse or lose their lives through gender-based violence or femicide? This pandemic must stop.
