A Sensational Walk for Justice Completed Successfully by Banna Buang Activists

Nicolase Lesapo and Archie Phinithi, officially closed a powerful awareness walk journey that began on 27 April 2025 from Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein (Free State) and ended on 1 May 2025 in Matatiele (Eastern Cape).

The activists said this walk was never about fame, it was about justice, awareness, and healing. We walked with purpose, carrying the voices of Gender Based Violence (GBV) victims and their families across South Africa. Along this emotional journey they passed through Bloemfontein as their starting point with a prayer session and support from the community.

As they continued their journey in Smithfield, they encountered a good Samaritan who sheltered them from sleeping on the streets. In  Rouxville – they also received incredible support, including safe accommodation and an escort. Further in Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape they received a warm welcome with open hearts and South African Police Service (SAPS) protection which ended in Mount Fletcher, Matatiele as their final stop.

“As we arrived, we did small hand out of awareness pamphlets, engaged communities with awareness and spoke openly about the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Our goal was to feel the pain of the victim’s families and demand justice, and to emphasize our cry in solidarity and justice for Cwecwe whose unresolved case continues to shake the nation”, said Archie.

Despite sustaining injuries to his legs and feet Nicolase Lesapo refused to give up, he pressed on through pain, committed to the mission. Upon arrival in Matatiele they met with members of South African Police Service (SAPS), urging them to get to the bottom of Cwecwe’s case, and all other unsolved GBV cases that continue to deny families across the country justice.

We were overwhelmed by the warm reception in Matatiele and wish to extend hheartfelt gratitude to Acting Mayor Cllr. Thembeka Dyantsi, Cllr Thandekile Mtoto, Women’s Caucus Portfolio Head Cllr Shereen Booth, Ward 19 Cllr. Masechaba Toloane, ANCWL Deputy Chairperson & District Cllr. Connie Ludidi Ndabane, PR Councillor Cllr. Mzwamandla Nyembezi, SPU Portfolio Head Cllr. Maile Mapena, Traditional Activities Portfolio Ms. Kenouoe Moshoeshoe, Ward Support Assistant Tshidi Kakole, Matatiele Museum Head Mayibongwe Mhlonyane.

“To the SAPS officials who walked with us and supported our cause, we thank you. You restored our hope in the continuous journey of the justice system to serve with pride and dignity for the ordinary civilians. We do this not for ourselves, but for the mothers and fathers whose children never came home. For survivors who are silenced by shame. This walk was a voice. A protest, a sacrifice. We may limp, we may bleed, but we will never stop”, concluded Lesapo.