Thandekile Mtshizana
Thandekile Mtshizana | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Known for | JusticeForCwecwe |
Thandekile Mtshizana[1] is a South African human rights activist. She became known in 2024 after her daughter, a seven-year-old girl known publicly as Cwecwe[2], was involved in a widely reported abuse case at a private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. Since then, Mtshizana has spoken out for justice and safety for children in schools[3] across South Africa.
Justice for Cwecwe
[edit]On 16 October 2024, Mtshizana reported to the police and the school that her daughter had been harmed at Bergview College, a private school in Matatiele. She said the school did not respond properly and instead gave her a transfer letter. This led to public anger and the start of the #JusticeForCwecwe[4] campaign. Mtshizana began speaking to the media and working with lawyers and activists to seek justice for her daughter. She also joined protests and marches calling for stronger child protection laws and school accountability.[5][6][7]
Public support and government response
[edit]The case received national[8] and international[9] attention. People across South Africa joined protests in cities like Braamfontein, Cape Town, and East London. Many called for justice and better safety in schools.[10][11]
South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, said she was deeply concerned and would make sure the case was investigated. The Eastern Cape Education Department later closed Bergview College and said the school had failed to protect its students and had not followed the rules for independent schools.[12]
Impact
[edit]Thandekile Mtshizana became a symbol of hope for many South Africans[13]. Her fight helped bring more attention to issues like child abuse, school safety, and justice for victims. The #JusticeForCwecwe[14] campaign continues to inspire many people across the country.[15][16][17]
References
[edit]- ^ Ngidi, Phindile (31 March 2025). "#JusticeForCwecwe: Mother seeks justice for daughter amid school controversy". Retrieved 11 April 2025.https://www.power987.co.za/featured/justiceforcwecwe-mother-seeks-justice-for-daughter-amid-school-controversy/
- ^ Khenese, Khanyisa. "Cwecwe's mother: 'It feels like I was raped twice'". Retrieved 11 April 2025.https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/cwecwes-mother-it-feels-like-i-was-raped-twice-20250402
- ^ "Emotionally scarred Cwecwe's mom in midst of spiritual combat". SowetanLIVE. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ Cala, Nobantu. "Justice for Cwecwe: Young South African girl's Beyoncé-inspired song gives Mzansi the feels". Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Justice for Cwecwe".
- ^ Jimta, Sifiso (9 April 2025). "IN PICS: VUT students join justice for Cwecwe march". Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Justice for Cwecwe | Calls for development of preventive measures - eNCA".
- ^ "Thousands march across the country to demand justice for Cwecwe".
- ^ ""How Can You be So Sick in the Mind?": US Lady Joins the Fight to Get Justice for Assault Victim - Briefly.co.za".
- ^ "Justice for Cwecwe: Why the EFF demands answers from Ramaphosa over military presence at Matatiele protest".
- ^ "Justice for Cwecwe: Senzo Mchunu seeks to reassure South Africans over child sex abuse case". 4 April 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ Matlala, Keamogetswe. "Justice SA pledges unwavering support until demands are addressed". Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Reflecting on Human Rights Day and Freedom Day: The Cases of Omotoso and Cwecwe".
- ^ https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-04-09-poll-was-sandfs-presence-at-the-justice-for-cwecwe-march-necessary/
- ^ Guzana, Alulutho. "A letter to Cwecwe: Rape survivor's moving message to 7-year-old victim". Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Justice for Cwecwe | Cape Town civil society to protest against GBV - eNCA".
- ^ "Discussion | Justice for Cwecwe | Unprecedented support for 7-year-old - eNCA".