Gatvol Summer / Autumn 2024

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO STOP CRIME

The real DIY security Barrier

Alu-Glide

Saftidor

The original Do-It-Yourself Crime Barrier – a trusted legend.

The Saftidor is simple yet sophisticated, designed for everyday use. It features an instant Slamlock, easy installation and feather lite to use, packing a heavy weight punch against any would

The all-aluminium fully framed security barrier, designed by Xpanda, copied all over the world:

The original Xpanda Alu-Glide boasts 47% more

The Xpanda story began in 1974, when we started manufacturing custom physical barrier systems direct to the end customer. Over the last 5 decades, as local and global economies changed, we have seen crime, and criminal modus operandi evolve. Xpanda has continued to be at the forefront of research and development in the physical barrier market since they opened for business.

Today, Xpanda is privileged to serve thousands of customers annually, manufacturing a wide range of security products, which include:

Xpanda is famous for its DIY range of security products, and our core focus, remains security products that offer real security – its not just a tagline for us, it is a promise.

Xpanda DIY security products are available at Builders Warehouse, and all leading hardware stores. Our extensive national network of Xpanda Franchises, accredited distributor’s and Installers distribute our custom, made-tomeasure product range. With our extensive DIY and Custom product range and wide-reaching distribution, Xpanda is the most comprehensive manufacturer of barrier security products in South Africa.

The Xpanda ethos remains the same today as it was when they opened in 1974, our purpose goes far beyond profit, we believe in a safer South Africa.

•

•

•

•

•

•

Xpanda Security, securing homes and businesses, offering real security solutions, to real people, real fast!

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR OUTDOOR SECURITY LIGHTING

A secure home requires proper placement and installation of outdoor lighting. Illuminating the exterior of your home with high-performance, well-placed security lighting will make intruders think twice about trying to enter your property. Here are some of Eurolux Lighting’s tips to get the most out of your fixtures if you’re installing outdoor lighting to improve your home security.

INSTALL MULTIPLE FIXTURES

When it comes to security lighting, the main goal is to eliminate dark spots for intruders to hide in. To achieve this, you need multiple fixtures that offer not-as-bright light as opposed to a single fixture that offers really bright light. The multiple fixtures can be placed in different areas around the exterior of your home to ensure there aren’t any dark corners or patches of the yard where intruders may go undetected.

DON’T MISS A SPOT

Having multiple fixtures is one thing, but you need to make sure they’re placed in strategic spots. In the front yard, the gate, driveway, pathway up to the front door, and front door itself should all have proper lighting. But don’t neglect the back and sides of your house. This is where intruders usually attempt to gain access to your home because it’s out of sight from people and cars passing by the main entrance of the home.

POSITION AND ANGLE

The ideal position for security lighting is high up off the ground and shining in a downward direction. This results in a bigger radius of light being cast which ultimately means you’ll need fewer fixtures to get full coverage. Lighting positioned this way also reduces the amount of light pollution produced.

Just make sure you don’t place them too high. The higher the fixture, the softer the light that hits the ground, so fixtures placed really high up will need to be extra bright to work efficiently which can be tricky to achieve.

MAINTENANCE

There’s no point in having security lights if half of them don’t work. A proper maintenance routine will ensure that your lights are in good shape and work as they should. Identify any burnt-out bulbs and replace them immediately. You should also clean any dirt or dust that accumulates on the shades to keep them shining optimally. Checking these two things once a month is easy and will give you peace of mind.

“TURN OFF” SOME LIGHTS

This may seem slightly counterintuitive, but having some lights “turned off” is an effective method of deterring intruders. Motion sensor lighting will take would-be intruders by surprise. If they’ve been creeping around in the dark, a sudden flood of light will catch them off guard. Their eyes will take time to adjust to the light and they’ll most likely run away out of fear of being caught. Motion sensor floodlights are a great option because they automatically bathe large areas of the garden in bright light when movement is detected. Your neighbours will probably also appreciate this type of light because it reduces light pollution and won’t cast an unwanted glare into their home, or yours for that matter.

USE TIMERS

If you work late or go away for days at a time, then lighting set to a timer is a practical security solution. By setting your outdoor lighting to turn on and off at a particular time, you create the illusion that someone is home even when you’re not. Many burglaries occur when homeowners are not at home because it’s an easier target. Timed lighting should aid in putting criminals off.

HIGH-TECH HOME AND BUSINESS SECURITY TIPS!

Recent crime stats revealed last year that there has been a worrying 3.8% rise in residential robberies. Senior Buyer for DIY products at Builders, Candace Booysen, highlights some preventative measures South Africans can take to safeguard their home and business belongings. “Home and business security is a significant challenge for South Africans.

Thankfully, there are countless DIY security solutions to help your premises and your belongings feel more secured, whether you’re leaving your home or business unattended for a while or want to feel safer while you and your loved ones are at home,” she says.

HERE’S HOW SOUTH AFRICANS CAN SAFEGUARD THEIR HOMES AND BUSINESSES

SMART USE OF LIGHTING

To avoid leaving your unattended home or business vulnerable and in the dark when loadshedding hits, consider installing the solar powered Robotic Night Watcher from Eurolux.“A well-lit home can be a significant deterrent to potential intruders

AUTOMATE YOUR OUTDOOR SECURITY SYSTEM

There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than not knowing what’s happening at your home or business when you’re away. Thankfully, an automated outdoor security product can help you monitor your home or business in real-time, ensuring peace of mind while away.

Booysen says automated systems like the Connex Connect 1080P IP Outdoor Cam and the Homeguard Heat Sensing PIR CCTV Dome Camera are robust home security solutions that allow you to respond promptly to any security breaches. “The

Connect and Homeguard outdoor cameras are key components of smart home or business surveillance. They feature highdefinition video recording, remote access via smartphones or tablets, and an extended night sensor range ideal for day or night surveillance. Best of all, the Connect camera houses a floodlight for reliable outdoor protection and advanced motion detection.”

IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR VISIBILITY

Booysen says keeping an eye on what’s happening inside is just as important as installing a robust outdoor surveillance system. She suggests South Africans install indoor smart cameras as an extra layer of security and for real-time interactions with their pets if they’re staying behind with pet sitters.

“The Yale Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Camera is a smart addition allowing you to listen and talk back to pets and loved ones. It offers a real-time conversation feature, motion detection to alert you when something has happened and comes with the option to add an SD card to capture motion detect events.”

Booysen says South Africans can invest in the Vizia Mini DC Wi-Fi UPS - White (5W) to power their indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi cameras during loadshedding.

SECURE YOUR VALUABLES

Safeguarding your valuables is a crucial aspect of daily home security. Booysen says a secure storage solution like the Jaguar Medium Digital Lock Box can bolster indoor security

“Secure lock boxes provide a robust, tamper-resistant place to store valuables like jewellery, important documents, small electronics, or anything sentimental. They offer holiday goers peace of mind knowing they’ve protected their valuable items.”

Booysen concludes, “Builders has a wide variety of advanced tech home security solutions to suit any budget. The increase in the crime stats is highly concerning, we therefore encourage the public to ramp up security at home and for their business by visiting our website and stores to find the best solutions for you and your loved ones.”

Ends.

BUILDERS’ BRAND NEW BRAND PLATFORM ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO STOP PROCRASTINATING.

23 January 2024, JohannesburgBuilders, a market leader in the DIY and home improvement sector, has unveiled a dynamic brand platform called ‘Do Day’ aimed at breaking the chains of procrastination. The campaign, tailored for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, small business owners, and contractors, taps into the emotional resonance of personal growth, community building, and national progress to encourage everyone to embark on those long-awaited projects with the support of Builders.

“The Builders’ ‘Do Day’ campaign is our commitment to help shatter the chains of procrastination, empowering our customers to turn their dreams into reality. We believe that every moment of delay is a missed opportunity for growth, and through this initiative, we inspire action, fostering a community of doers and achievers. In this way, we build a connection with our customers that inspires them to tackle unfinished DIY tasks and projects, leveraging the extensive expertise and assistance offered by Builders,” says Katherine Madley, Massmart’s Vice President of Marketing.

BUILDERS’ STRENGTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Founded 21 years ago, Builders has undergone remarkable transformations, successfully expanding across Africa in 2011. Introducing Superstore formats in metropolitan areas and towns, and launching the online platform in 2017, to meet evolving customer needs.

In 2023, Builders initiated the Builders PRO benefits program, providing trade professionals with exclusive savings, personalised offers, and incredible deals on a wide range of DIY products and services. In 2023, Builders was recognised as the Best DIY Store and Best Paint Store in The Star & Pretoria News. The Readers’ Choice Awards, also in 2023, named Builders as the Best Hardware store in the Best of Pretoria

Readers’ Choice Awards.

Following the launch of sister brands Game and Makro’s eCommerce websites, as well as the Makro shopping App, the Builders website was revamped late 2023 to offer customers a more intuitive online experience with practical enhancements that include reducing the number of steps to checkout and also giving customers the option to add Builders’ white glove service that includes delivery, installation, and expert service.

Builders also opened express format stores nationwide, focusing on key economic areas within South African communities. The retailer further optimised its yard services with an innovative yard management solution that reduces customer wait times and streamlines the collection process for an enhanced customer experience and operational efficiency.

The current South African electricity supply has presented challenges in demand, and to address this, Builders there are a number of alternative power solutions to help customers solve for loadshedding without breaking the bank - whether it be for their businesses or homes. Builders assists customers to understand their power needs and how energy consumed so that they can choose the right energy solution to power it.

Madley adds, “These milestones highlight our unwavering commitment to prioritising our most significant stakeholder – our customers – even amid challenging economic conditions. Builders is growing, the business is evolving, and we want to take our customers on this journey with us.”

Builders transcends being merely a DIY and home improvement destination; we empower self-improvement through home and business enhancement. The ‘Do Day’ campaign celebrates the

collaborative spirit shared between the business and its customers. We offer not just products but over two decades of knowledge and passion.

Accenture creative directors behind the ‘Do Day’ campaign share insights into the thinking behind the campaign and how its purpose is to empower and inspire people to take a different perspective on DIY projects no matter the size.

“If you have a home, then you will know very well that there is always a to-do list as long as your arm waiting to be finished and often, we are very good at procrastinating. With our new campaign, we wanted to create a bold rallying cry that says ‘Enough!’ Today’s the day we do something about it! We wanted to motivate and inspire people but we also wanted them to recognise themselves and make them smile at the same time. Do Day felt like the right solution for that,” says Devin Kennedy Executive Creative Director of Accenture Song.

“When we are spurred into action, we can do amazing things, as people, as communities and as a country. Whether it is tackling long-postponed tasks or bringing dream renovations to life, as a category leader, Builders champions the cause of proactive achievement, fostering a positive ripple effect for all.

Our new campaign sets out to be the spark that ignites us to look around us and decide what we will tackle on our Do-Day,” concludes Cameron Watson, Executive Creative Director of Accenture Song.

ENDS

HIJACKING: 5 WAYS TO AVOID BECOMING A

STATISTIC

Hijacking is rapidly becoming the leading type of vehicle crime in South Africa.

According to the SA Police Service crime statistics released last month, 5,455 hijackings were reported between October and December 2021 – a 13.8% increase over the same period the previous year.

So how do you reduce your chances of becoming the latest statistic? It’s all about staying alert when you’re behind the wheel, says King Price’s client experience partner, Wynand van Vuuren. Here are his top 5 tips to avoid being hijacked.

BE CAREFUL THAT YOU’RE NOT BEING FOLLOWED

One of the most common places people are hijacked is their own

driveway. If you think you’re being followed, don’t turn into your driveway – rather keep driving. If the car stays behind you, drive straight to the nearest police station. And even if there’s no-one around you, don’t drive straight into your driveway: if you’re able to, pull up parallel to the road while the gate is opening, so that you have some space to get away if you see a suspicious vehicle approaching.

WATCH OUT FOR CARS SLOWING DOWN

There’s an increasing trend of hijackers stopping suddenly on a highway offramp or busy street. When you stop, they take your car at gunpoint. Another modus operandi is for the hijackers to bump into your car from behind, to make you pull over

and assess the damage.

Be aware of your surroundings

When stopped at intersections, don’t check your messages or fiddle with the car radio. Stay alert to what’s happening around you, and watch out for any potential threats. Keep your windows closed and your doors locked, and leave enough room in the traffic to avoid getting boxed in.

DON’T BE THE HERO

If a hijack happens, just give up your car and your possessions. Move slowly. Keep your hands visible, and don’t look directly at the hijackers. If you have children in the car, tell the hijacker that you’re going to take a few seconds to get them out. Don’t get involved in verbal or physical altercations. Your life is worth more than your earthly possessions.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED

Make sure that your car insurance cover is up to date and that you do what’s required of you. Also, check whether your policy offers emergency assistance, in case anything happens to you, and make sure that you’ve saved the number on your phone.

STAY INFORMED:

UNVEILING A NEW WAVE OF HIJACKING: SAFEGUARDING SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORISTS AND TARGETED VEHICLES

Emerging Carjacking Patterns Every South African Should Be Aware Of, and the Vehicles at Greatest Risk

South Africa is witnessing a concerning surge in a new method of carjacking that demands immediate attention from its citizens. This alarming trend has prompted authorities to issue warnings, urging heightened vigilance among drivers. Understanding the nature of this evolving threat is crucial for safeguarding oneself against potential risks.

Carjackers have adopted a sophisticated strategy that involves disabling vehicles remotely, exploiting vulnerabilities in the vehicle’s security systems. By manipulating keyless entry systems or hacking into onboard computers, criminals can immobilize cars without physical confrontation, making it easier for them to carry out their illicit activities unnoticed.

The implications of this trend extend beyond mere theft; it poses significant risks to personal safety and security. Victims may find themselves in vulnerable situations, unable to call for help or escape from potentially dangerous circumstances. As such, it is imperative for South Africans to familiarize themselves with this modus operandi and take proactive measures to mitigate the associated risks.

Certain vehicle models are particularly susceptible to these remote hijacking techniques. Luxury brands and newer models equipped with advanced technology are often targeted due to their higher resale value and the complexity of their security systems. Owners of such vehicles must exercise extra caution and implement additional security measures to deter potential threats.

In response to this emerging threat, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to develop countermeasures and raise awareness among the public. However, individuals also play a crucial role in enhancing their own safety by staying informed, remaining vigilant, and implementing preventive measures such as installing aftermarket security devices or utilizing physical deterrents like steering wheel locks. Moreover, fostering a sense of community and promoting collective vigilance can serve as effective deterrents against carjacking incidents. By staying connected with neighbors, sharing information about suspicious activities, and supporting local law enforcement efforts, communities can create a safer environment for everyone.

In conclusion, the evolving nature of carjacking tactics underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness among South African motorists. By understanding the emerging threats, securing their vehicles, and fostering community solidarity, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability to this pervasive menace.

SOUTH AFRICANS ARE DROPPING ESKOM &

GOING OFF-GRID – BUT THERE’S A MAJOR LEGAL PROBLEM

South Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a transformative shift as Eskom, the state-owned power utility, grapples with challenges in meeting the nation’s electricity demand. With frequent power outages disrupting households and businesses, many South Africans are seeking alternative energy sources to reduce their reliance on the national grid.

In response to Eskom’s warning of worsening load shedding in 2024, citizens are exploring diverse approaches to secure stable electricity supply. Some are embracing solar and battery power solutions, while others are opting to disconnect from the grid entirely. However, this transition is not without its legal and regulatory complexities.

Unlike other countries, South Africa lacks national legislation specifically addressing disconnection from the grid. Instead, municipalities indirectly accommodate this shift through local ordinances and zoning regulations. This raises questions about the legal framework surrounding off-grid solutions and the empowerment of individual households to pursue them.

Recent research delves into the legal and regulatory challenges facing off-grid energy generation in South Africa. It examines whether existing laws enable households to generate their own power and disconnect from the grid, and how off-grid technological advancements interact with current regulations.

One key finding is the critical role of municipalities in facilitating the transition to off-grid power. While municipalities are responsible for providing basic services like electricity, their financial stability hinges on revenue from electricity sales. Complete grid abandonment could jeopardize essential services, highlighting the need for careful navigation of regulatory frameworks.

costs and ensure reliable backup during outages. The remarkable surge in rooftop solar installations underscores the growing demand for alternative energy sources in South Africa.

As municipalities grapple with the evolving energy landscape, there is a growing recognition of the need to create an enabling environment for off-grid solutions. Some municipalities have introduced regulations and incentives to support cleaner energy choices, such as allowing consumers to sell surplus green energy back to the grid.

However, there remains inconsistency among municipalities in their approach to facilitating the transition to off-grid power. This underscores the importance of streamlining regulatory frameworks and providing

clarity to support the adoption of sustainable and self-sufficient energy solutions.

Moreover, homeowners considering off-grid solutions face uncertainties regarding their legal and financial obligations, particularly concerning municipal charges for unused services.

Despite these challenges, the shift towards solar energy is gaining momentum across the country. Businesses, farms, and individuals are increasingly integrating solar power systems to reduce electricity

In conclusion, South Africa’s energy landscape is witnessing a significant transformation driven by Eskom’s challenges and the growing demand for alternative energy sources. Navigating the legal and regulatory complexities of off-grid energy generation is essential to ensure a smooth transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

TOP TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS IN

2024

As we eagerly usher into the new year, the promise of fresh beginnings and opportunities beckons, particularly for the dynamic and resilient cohort of unemployed youth seeking to embark on a career-transformative journey.

South Africa’s latest unemployment numbers paint a gloomy picture for the country’s youth and navigating the job market may present its challenges. But by developing their skills in ‘future-proof’ sectors, growing numbers of youth are finding jobs and opportunities, says the Youth Employment Service (YES).

YES works with the private sector to help create jobs for youth through fully funded 12-month work experiences, giving them the critical experience and skills that they need to secure future employment. The initiative has created over 128,000 jobs to date, with 42% of YES Alumni employed.

From skills development to mastering networking, YES’s head of youth programmes, Aditi Lachman, has five tips for young job-seekers to securing meaningful employment and seizing the possibilities that the new year brings

DEVELOP SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

YES’s own research, “What employers want: Getting young people working” shows that employers place the highest value on relevant work experience, education/skills and a good interview. In fact, education/skills is one of the strongest determinants of employment in the country.

The jobs of the future are in areas like information technology, solar panel installation, tourism, creative, drones and even baristas. To get into these industries, identify the skills required for the job you want – and find a way get them. This may involve pursuing formal education, attending training programmes, gaining online free or paid for certifications, or seeking internships to build practical skills.

Take former YES Youth Alumni, Mawanda Faniso, who took his career into his own hands, when he enrolled in the first YES Drones Academy programme at the Genesis Hub in Saldanha in 2021. He left the academy with a remote pilot’s licence, which now allows him to fly drones, as well as a repair and maintenance technician licence, so he can fix and work on drones. Today, he works full time for a security operations company, providing an eye in the sky service for clients.

WORK EXPERIENCE CAN REPLACE FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS

In YES’s research, managers indicated that two or more years of related work experience would compensate for having only a high school certificate. This means that even without formal qualifications, practical work experience can be just as valuable for a job-seeker.

One alumni in particular, Bryan Mposula, was hired as a business integration associate at one of the big four consulting firms after his YES programme, hosted at implementation partner, IT Varsity – a position that is often won by highly educated individuals with multiple degrees, certifications, and years of experience. Bryan grabbed his chance with both hands and was able to show his new employer how his values mirrored their own.

NETWORK AND SEEK GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Networking is crucial to getting job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with as many

people as possible in your field of interest. Building relationships can lead to job referrals and mentorship opportunities.

“If you already have a job, engage with colleagues, build relationships, and seek opportunities for growth within your organisation. Express your career aspirations to supervisors and explore possibilities for advancement or taking on additional responsibilities,” says Lachman.

GET A SIDE HUSTLE, OR START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Starting a micro-business can be the first step you need to get into the mainstream economy. According to YES’s Youth Employment Survey – the biggest youth survey in the country with 38,000 respondents quarterly – at least 15% of all YES Youth (active and alumni) are engaged in entrepreneurial activities.

Asanda Nqoko, used his experience through the YES programme to turn his side hustle into a full-blown business. Before joining YES, he was a freelance photographer, supporting himself with ad hoc events photography and shoots. Since learning to run a business through the YES entrepreneurship modules, his business, 39 Pictures, now employs four people.

MAINTAIN GOOD MENTAL FITNESS

According to a UNICEF South Africa U-Report poll, two in three (65%) young South Africans have some form of a mental health issue, but do not seek help. This isn’t just damaging to them: it has knock-on effects on entire families and communities too.

To help youth deal with the pressures of finding a job and how to deal with being unemployed, YES launched YES Mindful Matters, a programme for active YES Youth to provide access to valuable online support services delivered by registered counsellors.

The path to employment may have its twists and turns but it is a collective responsibility that transcends boundaries. Both public and private sectors must unite in their commitment to education, mentorship, and creating opportunities for our future leaders.

“Let the new year be the year we redefine collaboration, where corporates come together, pulling resources, expertise, and passion to uplift the youth, grow our economy and the future generations to come.”

MY STORY

Iwanted to provide a brief introduction to all our new followers and share parts of my story.

My name is Zen Williams, and I am the Founder and one of the Directors of Rise Against Domestic Violence.

My original intention was not to establish an organisation, but rather to share my story and experience with domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, and revenge porn.

Shortly after sharing my story, I realised that I was not alone and that others needed assistance, support, and direction, and through this, RISE was born.

RISE has remarkable volunteers who are the organization’s backbone. We have support volunteers, legal volunteers, and WhatsApp groups for both men and women separately. Rise operates remotely through WhatsApp, allowing us to communicate with anybody in need who contacts us.

It has been one of my life’s most incredible experiences. I have not only learned so much through this journey, but I have also healed. We are one of the very few organisations in South Africa that aids both males and females, abuse victims and abusers.

RISE believes that so much can be overcome through healing.

By stating this, we have not only assisted survivors in overcoming their abuser, but we have also assisted abusers in recovering from their own traumas.

My experience, summarised:

I dated a “self-confessed” sociopath from 2012 to 2016 but the abuse and stalking went on for years after I left. When we met, I was employed in corporate and he was a computer technician who operated his own company.

At this stage in my life, I was unaware of the hazards posed by this sort of individual. What was a sociopath? How bad could this possibly be? I googled it, attempted to study it, and repeatedly tried to fix it, only to find out soon thereafter, that not only was I wasting my time, but during this process of trying to understand what had taken place in my life, he had publicly destroyed me online by linking my real name to a website containing a libellous biography and including intimate photos and videos without my consent or knowledge.

The website was up for quite some time before it was discovered in June 2016. I believe that he created this website before I left and published it after I left.

He also accessed my Google account and uploaded the same videos by establishing a YouTube channel, again without my knowledge and consent. He blocked me from this google channel, preventing me from receiving any notifications on my smartphone. I never understood why I had 30,000 subscribers, when I was never a YouTube fan and never uploaded content.

This was undoubtedly posted and released when I was still living with him, since a member of my family revealed the existence of public nude videos but did not provide a link and refused to share any further information because they were told I was doing this to myself.

Wow, right?

Everyone was tagged in this website, including my children, my Facebook page link, he even released my ID number and cell phone number. He stole and posted my personal voice recordings and emails between myself and other people.

I had no privacy, I was under constant surveillance. It was terrifying and life changing. In addition to the revenge porn, he messed with my mind and moved my personal stuff around to make me feel like I was insane. He spied on my mobile phone and laptop, accessing, and disclosing all of my private information to my family and others. This individual was not joking around. I fled when I finally realised and accepted this. After leaving, I discovered the internet domain devoted to me.

He continues to deny that he authored and published this website, although he admitted to it in 2016 over WhatsApp. He sent messages to everyone accusing me of being a criminal and a participant in money scams. He was delusional; he reached this “conclusion” as a result of advertisements I was placing to sell my possessions in order to survive.

He turned my oldest daughter against me and ensured that she believed the same falsehoods he spoke about me. He threatened to murder me and dump my corpse on the beach, he said he would kill me if he could get away with it. He locked me in the house, hid my cars keys, parked me in so I could not leave. He physically assaulted me several times, humiliated me, manipulated me, and terrified me. It was so severe that even after leaving him the abuse did not stop. I had no choice but to flee my city, leaving my three children behind, in order to find a solution to this crisis and finally put an end to the abuse.

This individual launched a campaign to deliberately ruin my life because I chose to leave him, refusing to endure his abuse and torment any longer. It took me an exceptionally long time to realise the gravity of what he was doing to me and my family.

This individual was serious about destroying

me. I wanted to die. I did not see a way out of this, I did not know how to fix this, and I did not know what to do. I was lost, I was scared, and I was alone.

During that period, my feelings of isolation and anxiety were debilitating. I promised myself from that point on that if I could save another individual from enduring the same, I would.

Today, I continue to fight for justice.

In South Africa, cases of revenge porn and cybercrime have not been successfully prosecuted. Not only did it take me years to launch a police investigation, but I have been waiting 2.5 years for the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) to decide whether to prosecute, and no decision has been made.

I’ve been sent back and forth through the court system, which has been a frustrating and an eye-opening experience on the operations of our judicial system. The NPA’s inability to make a prosecuting decision in a timely manner is reprehensible and a failure on their part to seek and uphold justice; it reveals a significant flaw in our system.

I will continue to fight as hard as I can to get my case pursued.

I will not give up my struggle for justice, and I will not stand down or be silenced. We should seek retribution, we deserve closure, we should find healing so that we can continue our lives. Sometimes it will not be in that order, and sometimes justice is not possible – but healing is.

You are not alone. We will get through this together.

#RISE #NPA #justice #AfriForum #RISESURVIVOR