Femicide by Angie Makwetla

V eteran Angie shares her heartache on her two accounts of femicide in her family. The first account being her niece and second her sister. She shares the impact that femicide had on her family and the wounds that still require healing. What captured me about this read is that mama Angie is a veteran who unlearned primitive ways of thinking. This is seen in how she expresses how young woman should not be judged from returning home from failed marriages . Young woman should not be judged for leaving abusive relationships or marriages. .

Mama Angie also places emphasis on the importance as a woman in following your instincts and trusting your intuition. This is a very important aspect especially when entering a relationship or marriage. In many instances, the “red flags” are presented before us and it is because we believe that broken men will not break women! We want to trust that a man that “man-handles” and apologies is not abusive. A man who belittles you is not emotionally abusive. However, we are so wrong those are the red flags. .

The reality check for myself was coming to terms with the fact that, most women are bound in these abusive relationships or marriages because of economic barriers. It is not simple for some women with no fixed income or meal to walk away. I think the question they probably ask themselves is that “what will become of me or my children?”. The issue of unemployment in South Africa makes it even more difficult. If the laws protecting women in South Africa are present, why are there so many untold stories? Who is accountable ? Check the legal system!

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