Pixaby
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane says the provincial government has established an interministerial committee to address gender-based violence and rape, following the alleged rape of 7-year-old Cwecwe.
The Premier spoke on Tuesday in the Raymond Mhlaba Chamber at the Provincial Legislature ahead of the Policy and Budget Speech.
Mabuyane was responding to a member statement by Chief Whip Loyiso Magqashela, who condemned the heinous crime.
“This heinous act has ignited a nationwide outcry, culminating in the #JusticeForCwecwe. Over 670,000 South Africans have signed a petition demanding justice, alongside numerous protests across the country,” Magqashela said.
He added that the public’s outrage was intensified by how the school allegedly mishandled the case.
“Instead of cooperating with authorities, the school offered the family a transfer letter and displayed a lack of cooperation with law enforcement agencies.”
The Chief Whip said the school’s non-compliance led the Eastern Cape Department of Education to deregister Bergview College, citing failure to provide a safe environment and comply with required standards.
“This case underscores the pervasive crisis of GBV in our country, where schools are becoming sites of trauma and violation.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and ensure that all suspects, including the school principal, are thoroughly investigated.
“Justice must be served without delay. Educational institutions must re-assess and reinforce child protection policies. GBV must be recognised as a national emergency requiring immediate and sustained action.”
Premier Mabuyane confirmed the establishment of an interministerial committee focusing on GBV and femicide, with particular attention to child molestation and rape cases.
“We are now dealing with about six cases involving children in and around Matatiele. I am working closely with Cwecwe’s family and speaking to the Minister of Police almost daily. We are making sure no stone is left unturned.”
Addressing Bergview College's retracted deregistration, Education MEC Fundile Gade said significant gaps were identified in policies governing independent schools.
“There’s a need to tighten regulations. The clause currently only allows for registration and licensing oversight. But how do we manage the 400 children who still need to be placed back in school?”
Last week, the department said, “The only option we have to enforce accountability and justice from their actions is temporarily revoking their operating licence. By implication, that would enforce accountability and cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies to answer on why they should continue teaching and learning in an unsafe environment”
Gade also referenced five other pupils, including two from Vuka Rise Private School in Matatiele, who were allegedly raped.
“From a government point of view, systems have now been put in place to overhaul and address these matters.”
Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha, convener of the interministerial committee, said the provincial government is deeply concerned and outraged.
“Police and law enforcement are taking steps to ensure those responsible are brought to book. In Cwecwe’s case, the National Commissioner has taken up the matter and deployed a Major-General to investigate.”
Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta confirmed that the children affected had received psychosocial support.
“Since October, we’ve done our part in taking the children for support so they’re ready for any court processes. More minors are being brutally raped in that area, but due to confidentiality, we cannot disclose their details.”
