The way kungakhona, ndinenqqondo ndizothath’into zam ndigoduke, ndinenqondo
ndobelek’usanalwam, ndibhinqele phezulu ndigoduke, these famous words are sung by the
multi-talented singer Thandiswa Mazwai of Bongo Maffin, in the group’ song, “The way
kungakhona”
These lyrics are sung passionately by young and old women at places of entertainment, but
they paint a bleak picture of a woman ready to pack her bags, take her child and return home.
Due to the high rate of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, it is common for a
woman to leave her house in fear for her safety and that of her children and return to her
home.
Less is said about the abuser, but she will be given senseless words of wisdom, that
“Kuyanyamezelwa emzini.” When prospects of her returning to the abuser vanish, she will be
labelled many derogatory names, the latest used by the so-called Ama2000, being “the return
soldier”. Many of these women have to start afresh with limited or no resources.
Noting the numerous challenges faced by these women, it is heartening that the Minister of
Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has implied a change in policy that disqualifies
women from receiving the so-called RDP houses because their names are added as
beneficiaries even after separation or divorce.
Minister Kubayi said the review by the department is a response to today’s challenges facing
the country, such as GBV, which compels women to flee unsafe and abusive households to
protect themselves and their children.
Kubayi’s action will amplify the message that women in abusive relationships should leave
the abusers, as it removes the fear of homelessness.
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