Latest news with #Women'sMonth
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Outrage as Marius van der Westhuizen seeks parole for child murders
Former police officer Marius van der Westhuizen has applied for parole after serving more than a decade for the murder of his three children. Image: File Civil rights organisation, Action Society, has condemned the renewed parole application by a former police officer who murdered his three children in 2006, calling it a 'disgraceful affront to justice'. The organisation said the latest attempt to seek early release is retraumatising for the victims' family and deeply offensive to the broader public, many of whom remain haunted by the brutality of the crime. Marius van der Westhuizen was convicted of the premeditated murders of his children, Bianca, 16, Marius Jr, 5, and Antoinette, 21 months, at their Brackenfell, Western Cape, home on July 28, 2006. The killings, carried out in front of his then-wife, Charlotte, were reportedly sparked by jealousy and emotional turmoil. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Despite citing stress and depression, the court ruled that his actions were calculated and intentional. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison and has applied for parole three times. His third attempt was briefly successful in June 2024, when the parole board cited his rehabilitation efforts and acceptance of responsibility. The decision sparked widespread public backlash and was overturned by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board just weeks later. 'The fact that Van der Westhuizen is once again seeking legal leniency is disgraceful. He murdered three innocent children. His place is behind bars, not back in society,' said Kaylynn Palm, Action Society spokesperson. Charlotte van der Westhuizen, now a lieutenant-colonel in the SAPS, has previously welcomed the revocation of her ex-husband's parole. 'I am extremely grateful for the positive outcome that we received, especially seeing that we are also celebrating Women's Month. I feel that justice has prevailed,' she said at the time. The Department of Correctional Services confirmed that the parole board's original decision had been overturned in terms of Section 75(8) of the Correctional Services Act. Van der Westhuizen remains incarcerated at Malmesbury Prison. Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald also supported the decision to revoke parole, saying it highlights the urgent need to review the parole system. 'Reforming our parole system is not just a policy issue, but a moral imperative. We must ensure that it protects the most vulnerable and does not re-victimise those already harmed,' he said. Action Society has reiterated its call for justice and urged the Department of Correctional Services to reject any further attempts by Van der Westhuizen to gain early release. 'This is not just an administrative issue — it is about upholding the value of life and protecting those who cannot protect themselves,' said Palm. 'We owe it to the victims to ensure that justice is not eroded by leniency.'
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Eyewitness News
The normalisation of femicide in South Africa
Bonolo Mahlatsi 6 June 2025 | 12:09 Femicide Gender-based violence (GBV) Women's Month A memorial service was held for Olorato Mongale in Bloemfontein on 29 May 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN Femicide, gender-based violence (GBV), and violence in general have become an integral part of life for South African women. This horrendous crime is a national crisis, plaguing society as a whole. Despite South Africa's robust legal framework, policies and strategic plans aimed at tackling GBV and femicide, such scourges are still escalating and appear to be deeply rooted in societal norms. The epidemic of femicide that South Africa is and has been facing is misogyny amplified, normalised, and reproduced. It has become normal for women to be violated and ostracised while already being vulnerable. The violence against women, and its normalisation, has once again come under the spotlight with the murder of Olorato Mongale, who was killed by a man she went on a first date with. The unfortunate and untimely passing of Olorato, a reminder of what South Africa has become for women, hit home for many individuals, including her friends, who tried to find her after her phone location indicated she was in a dangerous place. Upon realising she was missing, social media posts were circulated seeking assistance from the public about her whereabouts. Olorato was a postgraduate student. Her body was found in Lombardy West in Johannesburg on Sunday, less than two hours after she was picked up. THE SOCIAL MEDIA NARRATIVE However, as if the murder of yet another young woman was not bad enough, it was unfortunate to read the comments posted on social media, such as: "Why did she go out with a stranger?" "Why did she not drive herself to the date?" The posts blamed her for not taking extra measures to avoid putting herself in danger. The comments continued despite people learning about the safety measures Olorato had put in place, including sharing her location with friends. The comments suggest she did not know any better. Another grim and unfortunate instance of femicide was that of Sbusiso Lawrence, a KwaZulu-Natal man who took a disturbing video of himself 'unaliving' (killing) his partner in December 2024. Lawrence's video sparked outrage after he shared the traumatic incident on social media, where he attempted to justify his actions, saying he was triggered by being mistreated in their relationship and was seen with blood on his face. After confessing, he was later found hanging from a tree near the murder scene. The normalisation there was in people asking, "Why did she leave him? He was a good man." And even when it was later revealed that he had previously attempted to unalive her, negative remarks were still made about the victim. The narrative of victim-blaming became apparent following that incident. Again, we observed social media comments that her actions provoked his behaviour, which led to her death. The social media commentary is an invisible finger-pointing exercise that serves to blame women. And there are many other cases. It is such behaviour that normalises and perpetuates violence against women. There is advice cautioning women to avoid becoming victims, such as 'don't walk alone at night, don't wear provocative clothing or short skirts'. However, the same cautions aren't used against men to say they shouldn't violate women. The unfortunate incidents show that social media has unfortunately become a breeding ground for victim-blaming. Victim-blaming has become a normative part of our thinking that goes unchallenged. Social media commentary that pushes the victim-blaming narrative fosters a culture of negativity on social media and only adds salt to the wound, which is another form of deviant behaviour illustrating gendered stereotypes. These narratives pushed through social media commentary obstruct sympathy and support for those who have suffered and those afflicted. Start confronting femicide and GBV to alleviate the dangers Generally, we observe the normalisation through social codes and social media posts that place the blame on women. What is unfortunate is that despite having such social codes that essentially spell out the terms in which women should conduct themselves, all in the name of being 'safe,' women still become victims of femicide and GBV. The normalisation of femicide and GBV is disheartening and inhumane; we need to start confronting it to alleviate the dangers they pose. How many mass movements will it take for women's voices to be heard that we live in constant fear day and night? Why should we suffer at the misogynistic hands of men? Such deviant behaviour cannot in any way be normalised. The danger of continuously normalising such behaviour will get to a point where it will no longer feel wrong. We will soon be celebrating Women's Month, with our faces bowed with despondency from heartbreaking news we would have learned about since the year started and from previous years. Shortly after that, we will be celebrating 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, aware of the constant fear women live in. The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the Portfolio Committee on Women should start stepping up intentionally and practically advocating for women (young and old) and uproot the persisting issue with the help of all women to mobilise our cry for help, safety, and not having to live in constant fear. Until that happens, as South African women, we will live in fear and be failed, which is appalling. Do we deserve to be treated like we are sub-human? Bonolo Mahlatsi is a Senior Student Experience Officer in the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and a Sociology master's graduate, UFS. She writes in her personal capacity.
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- General
- GMA Network
PCG's first female pilot promoted to commodore
The first female pilot of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been promoted to the rank of commodore by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Commodore Christine Pauline Bergaño-Diciano's promotion was approved on Wednesday after Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon made the recommendation, the PCG said Saturday. She became PCG's first female pilot in 2005 and had her first flight the following year. According to PCG, Bergaño-Diciano led several aerial missions to transport medical supplies to far-flung communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2010, Bergaño-Diciano became the first and only female PCG Air Station commander under the West Philippine Sea Oplan Matatag. She was also the first Asian vice president of the World Maritime University's Women's Association in Malmö, Sweden in 2014. Bergaño-Diciano was appointed as Coast Guard Aviation Force commander in 2022. During this period, she also advocated for female rescue swimmers and drivers. In the same year, Bergaño-Diciano, who is leading the PCG's Gender and Development unit, pushed for the inclusion of 'hijab' into female Muslim Coast Guard personnel's uniform. PCG noted that this effort earned recognition from the United Nations Human Rights Council. Bergaño-Diciano, a one-star Coast Guard officer, also served in several units, including the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Human Resource Management, Coast Guard Flag Office, Coast Guard Internal Audit, Coast Guard Procurement, and Coast Guard Logistics Systems Command. She also became the acting superintendent of the Coast Guard School for Special Maritime Affairs and the director of the Leadership and Doctrine Development Center (LDDC). At this year's Women's Month celebration, Bergaño-Diciano obtained the 'Pilak Award' for Natatanging Juana ng Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas for her Coast Guard service. 'Whatever you are working on – may it be in tactical and operational works and strategic ingenuities, be perpetual learners. Success, after all, is being grateful for our meaningful journeys and our happy and contented disposition on the lifework, we honor daily. Life's journey requires introspect and self-transcendence,' Bergaño-Diciano. 'There is no service so small. So, in all chances, choices and changes, own it. Practice mindfulness and embrace impermanence. Cultivate passion and compassion. Rediscover yourselves and grow from it. It is in the heart, kindness, grace, inspiration, love and all our faculties that we can support each other,' she added. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/KG, GMA Integrated News
TimesLIVE
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Amanda Black, Lira and Thandiswa to rock 10th Business Premium Jazz Fest
Women's excellence will be celebrated at the 10th edition of the Business Premium Jazz Festival. The Johannesburg leg is taking place on August 30 at 7pm at Carnival City, Ekurhuleni. This year's theme — 'Embracing Women, Celebrating Excellence' — will shine a spotlight on SA's most dynamic female voices in music, with headlining performances by Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai and Amanda Black. With August being Women's Month, the powerhouse artists will take centre stage on a night dedicated to honouring women's impact in the arts, business and society at large, paying tribute to their brilliance, resilience and influence. 'This year we wanted to do more than entertain; we wanted to honour women as a whole. We are acknowledging the extraordinary women who have shaped our cultural landscape and continue to inspire future generations," said organiser Richard Ramudzuli of Thikho Events. The festival is a premium lifestyle experience curated for high-value audiences, cultural influencers and business leaders. With a capacity for 4,600 guests, it offers an exclusive platform for luxury, networking and celebration. "Over the past decade the Business Premium Jazz Festival has earned a reputation for excellence. We have drawn music lovers from across the country. The Johannesburg edition offers strategic opportunities for brands and partners to align with a prestigious event that blends music, luxury, empowerment and business into one unforgettable evening."
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Iconic Totalsports Women's Race to light up South Africa's streets in 2025
PinkDrive Charity The PinkDrive Charity have been overwhelmed by the support they receive from the event and the participants. Photo: Anthony Grote Image: Anthony Grote The iconic Totalsports Women's Race, South Africa's largest celebration of Women's Month, will feature three 2025 races in three major cities, over three consecutive weeks. The first race starts in Durban on Sunday, August 3, followed by Cape Town on Saturday, August 9, and ends in Johannesburg on Sunday, August 17, 2025. For the past 13 years, the event has attracted elite athletes and social runners. It offers athletes a unique opportunity to compete in a world-class, women-only race on South African soil. Michael Meyer, the managing director of Stillwater Sports, convenes the event, which attracts 30,000 women across the country. 'We are proud to convene the race, which is South Africa's largest Women's Month celebration. Each year, this iconic event unites over 30,000 women across three major cities – Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg – offering participants the opportunity to take on a scenic 5km or 10km route, whether they run or walk," said Meyer. "From elite athletes to social runners and walkers, the event aims to provide an inclusive and empowering experience, celebrating the strength and spirit of women in a vibrant and supportive environment.' Since its inception, the charity of the Totalsports Women's Race is PinkDrive. Athletes can support by entering 10km or 5km events. PinkDrive will again be flying the flag for the event as the camaraderie of thousands of women comes together to celebrate Women's Month. Nelius du Preez, PinkDrive Operations Manager, said the Totalsports Women's Race is a truly special event. 'It's beautiful to witness a 'sea of pink' as women come together, filling the streets of three major cities in support of one another - standing united and prioritising their health in an active, uplifting environment,' said Du Preez. 'Thanks to the platform provided by the Totalsports Women's Race, we can continue serving communities across South Africa. 'The funds help us achieve our core purpose: to make a meaningful contribution to preventing as many people as possible from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate, and testicular cancer. 'The event gives us the perfect platform to spread the powerful message that early detection can save lives. 'Please continue supporting PinkDrive to keep our mobile units on the road and help the medically uninsured.'
