The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has urged communities to act as custodians of change through prevention and reporting any form of violence, and supporting survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBVF).
The call comes after the brutal murder of a 21-year-old, Onalenna Selebogo, a third-year Education student at North-West University’s Mahikeng Campus.
Selebogo’s body was found on Saturday, 3 August 2025, in a Rustenburg flat, wrapped in bedsheets with multiple stab wounds to the neck.
According to the police report, the suspect, Walter Tshehlo, fled the scene but later handed himself over to the police. He has been charged with murder and awaits his bail hearing on 18 August 2025.
The department has condemned the brutal killing of Selebogo, describing it as a “appalling reminder that the fight for women’s safety and dignity remains far from being won.”
“The fact that these hideous acts of violence occurred during Women’s Month when the nation honouring and celebrating women’s courage, resilience and contribution to our democracy, makes it even more unacceptable,” the department said.
The department called on law enforcement agencies to act with urgency and transparency to ensure that those responsible for Selebogo’s death are brought to justice without delay.
It also called on communities to break the silence that allows GBVF to thrive, but act as custodians of change through prevention and reporting any form of violence and supporting survivors of GBVF.
The department further called on men across the nation to take responsibility by challenging harmful norms and become active partners creating a society that is free from violence.
“These words are not just ceremonial, they are a call to action, justice, and change to every sector in public; private business, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, and the media must mobilise resources and platforms to strengthen prevention efforts and promote awareness on GBVF,” the department said.
Teach young boys to protect and respect women
Speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday, 9 August 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the many high cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide recorded in the country.
The President called on all South Africans to be a society where “we teach young boys that women are to be protected, and respected, and not abused.”
The President also urged South Africans to build a society where young boys are taught to protect and respect women, understand the meaning of consent in sexual relationships and do not use their money and influence to engage in predatory behaviour towards women, and “society that does not condone the ill-treatment of women and children under the guise of culture or tradition.” – SAnews.gov.za
