Rhodes student #KhensaniMaseko laid to rest
Khensani Maseko has been laid to rest in Johannesburg.
The third-year Rhodes University student took her own life following a battle with depression.
She was allegedly r@ped by her ex-boyfriend in May.
Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela spoke at Maseko’s funeral about how culture needs to change to make the world safer for women.
Mabizela began his eulogy by saying that society has failed Khensani the same way it has failed many Khensanis in this country.
LIVE on #eNCANow: Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela speaks at the funeral of #KhensaniMaseko. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/acvd5ClMxy
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 9, 2018
#KhensaniMaseko Rhodes Univ. Dr Sizwe Mabizela takes to the podium. pic.twitter.com/Nc3JsRpBpq
— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) August 9, 2018
The pain and emotional turmoil she must have endured in those three months before that fateful Friday afternoon is unfathomable.
“In a society that has become inert to s-e-xual and gender-based violence, Khensani’s death has, once again, raised our nation’s anger, frustration, and revulsion with this form of women oppression,” he said.
“Her death must force us to pause and reflect deeply on the kind of society we have become…. There are a number of important lessons for us.
Friends and family paid tribute to Khensani, saying that she was committed, fearless, helpful and a champion at all times.
#KhensaniMaseko Mommy says I don't know how I'm going to live without you. #KhensaniMasekoFuneral pic.twitter.com/wjWWf9xVOH
— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) August 9, 2018
#KhensaniMaseko Pastor says Khensani was selfless and she is our martyr. #KhensaniMasekoFuneral pic.twitter.com/KeIFNRw22p
— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) August 9, 2018
#KhensaniMaseko EFF's Mandisa Mashego says South Africa is a crime scene. pic.twitter.com/jEKyOr92kI
— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) August 9, 2018
Read Dr Sizwe Mabizela’s full speech here:
“Among others, first: we must pay greater attention to how we raise and socialise a boy child into a man.
“Boys and young men need to be taught how to interact with other people in general and with women in particular, in a loving, caring, empathetic and responsible manner.
“Second, we must stop admonishing girls and women on how they should or should not dress, or how they should or should not behave, in order to protect themselves against being s-e-xually assaulted or r@ped.
“We must tell young boys and men not to r@pe them. Period. No one deserves to have her body integrity violated.
“Third, we must recognise, that the majority of cases of s-e-xual violations are committed by people who profess to love and care for those upon whom these are visited.
“It is people who should protect and support women who take advantage of them.
“Fourth, we must identify and challenge, the attitudes and behaviours that enable and sustain s-e-xual and gender-based violence in our society.
“We must confront and challenge those seeming social and cultural myths, beliefs and practices that normalise and perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence.
“In particular, we must confront toxic and macho masculinities, patriarchy, and misogynistic culture in our society.
“Khensani’s death cannot be in vain. We must stop s-e-xual and gender-based violence before it happens.
“The most fitting and lasting tribute we can give Khensani is to confront and eliminate the pernicious scourge of s-e-xual and gender-based violence in our homes, in our communities, and in our society.
“Each time we turn and look away when someone is demeaned, dehumanised, and violated we become complicit in that act, we dishonour the memory of Khensani and thousands of other women who have suffered the indignity of having their person been violated.”
Source: eNCA
