Rev. Mmakgabo Gwendoline Sepoloane, Contributing Writer
Violence against women, especially rape, is not reserved for the woman on the street but can also take place right in the sanctity of our homes. This sad reality was brought to light by Sister Johanna Hlahasoane, the 19th Episcopal District Charlotte Maxeke Ladies Fellowship (CMLF) , who told of her ordeal of being brutally attacked in her bedroom while her husband lay tied up on the side. “I thought he was dead,” she remarked.
Hlahasoane spoke during a Zoom platform session of the Central South Africa (CSA) region of the Women in Ministry on 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. The CSA Coordinator, Presiding Elder Rev. Beatrice Motokoa (18th District), chaired the session with the Rev. Mmalorato Mabaso (19th District), serving as moderator.
The session, themed Violence has a Face, created a safe place for open conversation and a show of love and support for all survivors and victims. I found it amazing how vivid Hlahasoane managed to paint her attack; it played itself out in my mind, her feelings and emotions throughout the ordeal and how she readied herself for death as the perpetrators discussed what a prize she was after days of studying the household movements in preparation for the robbery and now sexual assault. She recalls that one of them said, “You are so beautiful.”
She spoke of her confusion, pain, helplessness, and a continued private heart-to-heart with God. “I was so confused,” she said repeatedly. Eventually, her conversation moved from total despair to renewed faith as she could feel God assure her that she was not alone and that she would surely overcome this. After years of individual and family counselling, she has become the voice and face that stands against normalising violence and abuse of anyone in the District. The chat room was abuzz with messages of encouragement throughout the session.
Mrs. Thelma Ngcobo (WMS, 19th District) followed with a response that emphasised the need to act and not just talk about ongoing violence. She reminded us that the church has been too silent and hamstrung on the topic. “The Church is a great platform in society for healing and recovery, for both the victim and the perpetrator,” she pointed out. We could help remove the victim’s shame and make it possible for the perpetrators to find the help they need. She concluded by reminding all that as with many enemies, the scourge and the fight against it “is unfortunately not just a 16 Days activity but a battle waged 365 days of the year.”
Violence has reportedly become even more prevalent and severe during the COVID-19 pandemic and lock-downs that have left us all cooped up in our homes—many stuck with abusive partners or parents. The South African government has aptly themed this year’s campaign “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke – 16 Days of Activism – Moving from Awareness To Accountability.” What better reason for the African Methodist Episcopal Church to take the lead?
The Rev. Lerato Pitso (19th) made a call for the violence to stop with her sermon titled, “Enough is Enough,” after reading from Genesis 19:8
The session was graced by the presence of the WIM Connectional Commission Chair, Bishop Frederick A Wright, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 20th District, the 19th District Supervisor, the Rev. Carolyn Brailsford, the 18th District Presiding Prelate, Bishop Francine Brookins, the 18th District Supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnette, the President of the Connectional Presiding Elder’s Council, Rev. Michele Goodloe and of course fully supported by the Connectional WIM President, the Rev. Dr. Erika D Crawford.
