Kagiso 2 Candle Light Vigil Calls for Unity Against Gender-Based Violence
Thabo Motlhabi
Mr Katlego Mhlaba Motlamello, founder of the Living in Colour Disabled Organization, based in Mogale City, Kagiso 2, hosted a Candle Light Vigil, held at Sonap Taxi Rank, on Friday, 18 September 2026. To stand in solidarity against gender-based violence affecting women and children.
The Vigil came amid renewed national concern over the killings of women across South Africa. Despite gender-based violence having been declared a national emergency, community members expressed concern that the issue is sometimes treated as a seasonal crisis rather than an ongoing emergency.
The recent murders of nine women across the country have once again sparked public outrage and renewed fear among women, with many asking themselves, “AM I NEXT?”
The Candlelight Vigil sought to raise awareness, encourage unity and mobilise the community of Mogale City and its surrounding areas to take a stand against gender-based violence. Community members from Kagiso 2 came in prayers and remembered families who have lost loved ones through violence.
The gathering delivered a clear message: “Enough is enough.”
As Director of Living in Colour Disabled Organisation, Miss Nomsa Mhlaba highlighted the importance of unity and collaborative action in the fight against gender-based violence.
“We must speak out and make our voices heard, as silence only exacerbates the situation.”
Mhlaba further stressed the importance of the community and stakeholders continuing to confront the crisis and support initiatives aimed at protecting women and children.
Gender-based violence activists, Miss Beauty Nyandeni, emphasised the importance of community-led initiatives, regardless of who organised them:
“For me, I take all the praise to Katlego. He made the community gather together and pay our last respects to all women who were brutally killed. Gender-based violence is not just another thing on the new but must be treated as an emergency, as crises like when Covid-19 was addressed as a disease that targets women.
The vigil also highlighted the role of government, stakeholders, activists and other organisations in strengthening efforts to address gender-based violence and protect vulnerable members of society.
The Kagiso 2 Candle Light Vigil served as a reminder that communities can come together to raise awareness, support survivors and affected families, and demand continued action against gender-based violence.
At the end of the vigil, community members and activists lit candles in remembrance of those who lost their lives to violence and showed solidarity and support for their grieving families.