Tragedy Unfolds: Outrage and Calls for Action against GBV after Empress's Death
13 November 2024
The Rastafari community is saddened by the tragic and horrific death of one of their 'Sister' affectionately known Empress Ntombi, at the hands of her partner. It comes just days before the annual commencement of "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)" and has revived critical conversations about safety for women and children in both the Rastafari movement and broader society.
A Community in Mourning
The Empress commanded respect from all in her community, being very nurturing and devoted to the Rastafari way of life. At only forty years of age, her unjust death has sent shock waves of grief and outrage through a community that speaks of love, peace, and respect.
"This is not who we are. Rastafari stands for unity and harmony," said one elder at a gathering held in her memory. But her killing did underline a grim reality-GBV spares no society, theirs with any spiritual and cultural ethos or otherwise.
The Increasing GBV Crisis in South Africa
It is here that South Africa still grapples with the epidemic of GBV, at a rate where statistics show more than 40% of women in the country have faced violence at one point in their lives. In the Rastafari community, where women are critical spiritual leaders and caregivers, GBV remains an underdiscussed issue. The attendant stigma and silence on the subject mostly leaves survivors with no recourses nor support.
Voices Demanding Change
The tragedy has triggered a wide range of calls for action among and outside the Rastafari movement for Community leaders and advocates call for increased awareness and accountability to fight GBV.
"This incident reminds us that we need to address the issue within our own homes and communities. It's not enough to condemn; we must act," said a female activist from the community.
Others encourage the strengthening of partnerships between the Rastafari movement and broader civil society organizations to provide education, resources, and support for survivors.
Getting Ready for 16 Days of Activism
The tragedy comes right on the cusp of the global "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" campaign, running from November 25th - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - to December 10th, which is Human Rights Day.
Members of the Rastafari fraternity have vowed to make this period a time for remembering Empress through mobilization into concrete action. Activities so far planned include:
Community Dialogues: Free GBV discussions within the Rastafari community to break the silence of the matter.
Support Systems: Creating safe spaces and resources for battered women and children.
Education Campaigns: Workshops that will help men and women understand the paramount importance of mutual respect, consent, and no violence.
A Call to Action
Empress's death is a reminder that GBV knows no boundaries—spiritual, cultural, or societal, it affects all. The memory of her life is a clarion call for action against systemic violence that has continued to brutalize women and children.
As the "16 Days of Activism" approaches, let this tragedy inspire collective efforts toward breaking the cycle of violence so that not another life shall fall to this pervasive scourge. This is a time when the Rastafari community needs to stand in solidarity with all its allies involved in the greater struggle for gender justice, steadfast together for a world where all can live in peace, love, and safety.
May Empress rest in power, may her legacy bring light to the shadows of injustice.
To gain additional insights about gender-based violence (GBV), check out this detailed article from "Safer Spaces"
