An art installation in the Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg, caused quite a stir over the past few days.
“SA’s Dirty Laundry”, an art piece that was coordinated for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children was aimed to speak out about abuse, sexual assault and rape against women and children. The Young Independents took to the streets of Joburg to gauge the views of millennials regarding the campaign and here’s what they had to say:
Zanele Khumalo. Photographer: Floyd MatlalaZanele Khumalo, 25, a production coordinator at Maboneng Precinct said “The dirty underwear exhibition in recognition of the global 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children campaign, was a great initiative, a lot of people started asking around after seeing a string of underwear hung across the street, and that was the purpose of the whole concept, to get the message across and that made the campaign effective”.
Candice Smith 34, an events coordinator from Sunninghill seemed not quite sure if the campaign is able to spark positive action within the society.
Candice Smith. Photographer: Floyd Matlala“I think is visible but I’m not sure if it’s big enough to galvanise action, it’s easy for people to take photos and spread the word on social media but the impact is not enough and I think a lot still needs to be done,” she said.
“Women and child abuse is more of a social issue at a deeper level, and for the nation to win, we still have to tackle issues around education, inequality and make people feel empowered, people still feel disempowered and for them to show their power is through physical strength.”
Mohapi Mofimyiswa, 20, a Journalism student at Rosebank College feels the campaign is not visible enough.
Mohapi Mofimyiswa. Photographer: Floyd Matlala“The exposure is not enough, it has to be viral, and people need to see it everywhere for them to start practising it, especially in the township communities, where a lot are victimised.”
Pasie Morgan. Photographer: Floyd MatlalaSoweto intern fashion designer Pasie Morgan, 22, said “The campaign still lacks full exposure, we need more campaign based on that, not once a year or twice but every month if we have to, documentaries about the whole concept would also help, because people need to hear the outcry, and that will sure play a significant role in eradicating the violence.
Tumi Pebe. Photographer: Floyd MatlalaTumi Pebe, 22, a musician from Hartbees said the message only get to those who have experienced it before and that’s not enough, smart policing routine towards this issue would also help a lot, a lot of people are being abused and sometimes our law enforcement is not playing its part, and a lot of these campaigns have to be done”.
