Rachel Kolisi recalls being shot at during GBV protest

Rachel Kolisi has taken to social media to reflect on the general sentiment of South African women who face the never-ending crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, while recalling a personal experience that has shaped her long-standing involvement in the fight against it.

Rachel speaks out again on femicide

In a social media post, Rachel addresses the current conversation around femicide.

‘Let’s just be clear. It’s femicide,‘ she wrote.

She described herself as feeling ‘sick‘ and ‘exhausted‘ while speaking about the issue and the need for action.

Her comments come as South Africa faces renewed concern over gender-based violence following the deaths of women in and around Kempton Park.

Rachel looks back on a difficult moment

In another social media post, Rachel recalled attending a protest following the murder and rape of Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019.

In her caption, she reflects on President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing protesters before they were told to leave. She said the protesters refused to disperse and that they were subsequently shot at.

‘I remember the president coming to address us with promises and then being told to disperse. When we refused, we were shot at,‘ the caption read.

For Rachel, the experience appears to have remained significant years later.

‘This was 7 years ago,‘ she wrote, explaining that she had since dedicated much of her work to the fight against GBV.

A fight Rachel says has continued

Rachel also used her post to highlight the difficulties faced by non-profit organisations working in the GBV space.

She said these organisations often struggle with a lack of funding and general support while continuing work that she believes needs sustained attention.

Her message was not only about remembering past protests, but also about keeping support for GBV organisations going beyond moments when the issue dominates public conversation.

‘I know it feels so so heavy for us,‘ Rachel said, encouraging people to support those who continue doing the work even when it is not making headlines.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com