16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence commenced on November 25, 2023. Just a day before the activism started, Oscar Pistorius was granted parole. He will be a free man come January 2024. Oscar was convicted of murdering his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, back in 2013 on Valentine’s Day. Convicted in 2016 to serve 13 years and five months in prison, he only served 8 years.

In her victim statement read out to the parole board, Reeva’s mother, June Steenkamp, said she did not oppose his release but wondered whether his anger issues were truly dealt with in prison. She also expressed her concern for the safety of any woman who would come into contact with him now. Mrs. Steenkamp chose not to attend the parole hearing. It seems she isn’t the only one with concerns. Speaking to a few women in my community, they all shared the same views regarding his release. disappointment and utter disbelief.

All of them feel let down by the justice system because they believe that Oscar intentionally killed Reeva and that it was no accident. All this proves is that a woman can be murdered by a man, and the law will grant him leniency. This sentiment is a shared feeling amongst this particular group of women.

But quite a few people do not share their feelings; some South Africans feel that Oscar has done his time and is in fact rehabilitated. They feel he is deserving of a second chance at life. The board (the ones who decided on granting him his parole) must have based their decision on some type of merit; these individuals are of sound mind and experts in their fields. However, might I mention that he did indeed appeal his conviction more than once, and it was overturned each time? So maybe this time around, they have a good reason as to why he is granted parole.

I will say this in closing: while we may never know what truly transpired the night Reeva lost her life, I sincerely hope that Oscar is able to look himself in the mirror and be at peace. He will be able to see his family and friends again and be part of society again. Yes,  he has lost his career, and he will forever live under scrutiny. But dare I say this? He still has his life; Reeva doesn’t. She will never see her family or friends again, nor will they be able to hold her, hear her laugh, or see her smile.