Being A Woman In SA Today

What is happening in society today brings a feeling I cannot even begin to describe. I am somewhat sad, angry and disappointed at the fact that women in South Africa are being tormented by the ruthless men in the country, and have become subject to the cruelty of these men.

At first, it was the taxi rape saga that came about early on in the year, where women would innocently catch a taxi to get to their destinations, only to get mugged and raped. And then there came a story whereby women got abused in their relationships by their so-called 'lovers'. And now we suddenly have women who are being abducted while walking in the street.

WhatsApp broadcast message
currently going around to keep
people aware of the new trend.

It has come to my attention, and to the attention of many other people, that women are no longer safe in this country. We are not safe in our own homes or in the streets, we just aren't safe anywhere. At home, we get armed robberies, in the streets, we get mugged, and in taxis, we get raped and dumped in a ditch somewhere. What are we to do now, besides walk around looking back our shoulders every two minutes to ensure that we are not being followed? We walk in constant fear and paranoia because men have become ruthless creatures, no offence to the innocent men out there. Rumour has it that there are men working for certain people, and they have been given tasks to capture women for a certain amount of money.

Ladies please beware of the dangers that we have become exposed to;

My advice to you:

• If you catch a taxi, make sure you catch one at a taxi rank, unless if there are people to stand with on the sidewalk because this whole thing of waiting on the side walk is just not safe.
• If you catch a bus, beware of this: People check what time you go to the bus stop, and how long you wait for the bus, they also check how far you have to walk in order to get home from the bus stop. this gives them enough time to plan their move on you. So please make sure that you have someone waiting for you at the bus stop when you come back from work or school, and that you are never alone at the bus stop.
• Invest in pepper sprays, we've seen how they use them in movies, now is our time to use them to protect ourselves.
• Always let your family, and close friends know where you are going. lying about your whereabouts is no longer safe.
• turn off your location services on your phones, and stop checking on social media, you are setting yourself up!
• When you catch a taxi, always take the plate number down, and send it to someone, just incase something happens.

Being a woman in South Africa today is scary. The time has come for women to stop looking down on each other, and stand together to protect one another. 

Please keep safe. Keep your eyes and ears open, and look out not only for yourself, but for others too.