The streets of Bizana were filled with chants, placards, and collective outrage on Tuesday as local residents, youth, non-governmental organisations, and students staged a widespread protest demanding justice for rape victims — particularly for the young girl known affectionately as Cwecwe, who was allegedly raped in October 2024 at Bergview College in Matatiele.
This incident has deeply shaken communities across the Eastern Cape, with protesters calling for harsher punishments, stronger policing, and accountability from school authorities and law enforcement. Tuesday’s demonstrations were part of a growing national wave of protests, with similar events already held in Kokstad and other neighbouring towns.
Photo: Quan Dambuza / Pondoland Times
Community Speaks Out
“We are not happy with how this incident was handled by the police,” said Mrs Sukude from Ward 1 in Highland. She joined many others in calling for the return of the death penalty for perpetrators of crimes against children.
The protest drew young people from across Bizana, including students from Ulwazi College. Nombuso Chiya, a leader within the ANC Women’s League under the local Sub-region, expressed deep concern for community safety: “We do not feel safe anymore—even in our own homes,” she said. “We want law enforcement to be harsher in sentencing. What happened to Cwecwe must send a strong message.”
Chiya added that the ANC Women’s League would support the family and join a planned march in Matatiele on April 8 to further raise awareness around gender-based violence.
Photo: Quan Dambuza / Pondoland Times
Youth and Students Join the Call
Asandsa Jwili, a Highland resident and student originally from Lusikisiki, expressed sadness and frustration: “It breaks my heart to see children like Cwecwe go through such horrors. We must stand up for our rights.”
Another Ulwazi student, Mzukisi Msiya, emphasized the need for justice: “Victims of gender-based violence must get the justice they deserve.”
Photo: Quan Dambuza / Pondoland Times
Allegations Against School Authorities
Anger was also directed at school officials and the School Governing Body (SGB) of Bergview College. Mama Nelisa Gubelana, from Ludeke (Ward 4, SizaluThambo branch), criticized the SGB for allegedly shielding those involved:
“SGBs are meant to protect learners, not hide the truth. Cwecwe was allegedly made to sweep floors and ended up being raped—and yet no one has been arrested.”
Photo: Quan Dambuza / Pondoland Times
A National Outcry
The protests come amid mounting national frustration over unresolved child abuse cases and perceived inaction by authorities. Calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Bergview case have intensified, with the public demanding accountability from both school administrators and the South African Police Service.
As the date for the major Matatiele march approaches, civil society is expected to maintain pressure on law enforcement and education officials to ensure justice for Cwecwe and other victims.
