Four young women dressed in black, stood in front the podium while President Jacob Zuma addressed the country from IEC Results headquarters, holding up signs, one reading “Remember Khwezi”.
A small group of protesters held up posters in solidarity with President Jacob Zuma’s rape accuser who was known as Khwezi during the rape trial.
As soon as President Zuma took the stage, following the release of the results of the 2016 municipal election results, four protesters stood in front of the podium and held aloft A4-sized placards, that read “Remember Khwezi”.
(VIDEO) The moment the #RememberKhwezi protesters stood up during the speech by President Zuma. #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/LLPltx2xj2
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 6, 2016
While many were at first confused about what this was about, many who have followed Zuma’s political career immediately gathered that this was an anti-rape demonstration, aimed directly at the president.
“Khwezi”, is the woman who accused President Zuma of rape in 2006. The name was given to her by the media, although her real name is Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo.
In defending himself, Zuma had said the sex was consensual and was acquitted of the charges.
A sign reading, “Khanga” was also held up by one protestor.
“Khanga” refers to a sarong or wrap-around garment worn by women. In the rape case’s context, the president had said that because the accuser was wearing a Khanga when he “had sex” with her, she had asked for it.
An incredibly heartbreaking poem titled “I am Khanga”, about Zuma and the rape case was written back in 2009.
“This is NOT my world… I reject that world… My world is a world where fathers protect and don’t rape
My world is a world where a woman can speak out… Without fear for her safety
My world is a world where no one , but no one is above the law
My world is a world where sex is pleasurable not painful”
Zuma stumbled over his words during his speech but was seen to be completely ignoring the silent protestors.
Shortly after he stepped down, the women could be heard shouting as they were kicked out of the venue.
It’s not clear what happened to them thereafter. The IEC’s Terry Tselane took to the stage after the president’s speech and apologised to him for what it called a “disruption”.
ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe says the silent protest was the women’s democratic right.
“That’s how free South Africa is, you can protest while the president is speaking. Nobody disrupts you. You are allowed to protest.”
Just minutes after the protest, the hashtag #RememberKhwezi was trending across South Africa.
#RememberKhwezi silent protest, and the way it was dealt with speaks volumes. Nothing very honorable about our Honourable Mr President…
— Mandy Jackson (@mandsnj) August 6, 2016
Anyway, #RememberKhwezi I hope that, wherever you may be now, you saw that. We do not forget you. 💟
— The Other Sarah Marshall (@cathjenkin) August 7, 2016
Brave women, powerful protest. #Respect #RememberKhwezi
— Tara Turkington (@taraturk1) August 7, 2016
This picture! Wy word, but it speaks volumes. #RememberKhwezi
(Pic via HeraldLive). pic.twitter.com/xy2jtrbcJ2— Katy Katopodis (@KatyKatopodis) August 6, 2016
Disgraceful mistreatment. In three days time on Womens Day we'll all be hearing about how respected and revered women are. #RememberKhwezi
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) August 6, 2016
ANC blaming the IEC for #RememberKhwezi "security breach" but what it really wants is to blame the IEC for running a democratic election.
— Tom Eaton (@TomEatonSA) August 6, 2016
Stuff politics and political alliances, what those women did ,is bigger than politics! #RememberKhwezi
— Siv Ngesi (@iamSivN) August 6, 2016
That was the most powerful message while Jacob spoke. #RememberKhwezi – Jacob's rape accuser. Surely it's time for the Cancer to step aside
— Mike Sharman (@mikesharman) August 6, 2016
South African women are so brave. #RememberKhwezi
— Enrique Grobbelaar (@TweetsByEnrique) August 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/H_e_i_n_i_e/status/761975337223847937
Anyone who has experienced a mother's love cannot help but find the abuse of women abhorrent.#RememberKhwezi
— Nick Theodoropoulos (@Politicman) August 7, 2016
This woman has sadly always been confused about whose rights she is mandated to protect #ANCWL #RememberKhwezi https://t.co/HudHwU3Aou
— Jeannine Orzechowski (@JeannineOrz) August 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/simamkeleD/status/761972913264353280
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