Call- Corner’s tree of Durban Deep in shock and has reignited concerns over escalating violence against young girls in South Africa.
Thursday’s memorial was not just a tribute, but a collective call to action. Family members, classmates, teachers, civil society groups, and government officials came together under one roof to honor Likhona memory and demand that those responsible be held accountable.
The school hall was packed to capacity. Pupils dressed in their uniforms held handmade posters with messages like “Justice for Likhona”an”End Gender-Based Violence”, their young voices lifted in songs of encouragement and remembrance.
Among the attendees were Joburg Mayor Dada Morero,Gauteng Education Department, MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tswaku.
As the service began, it was clear that the pain ran deep. Sounds of sobbing filled the air as learners struggled to come to terms with the tragic loss of their peer. Teachers, visibly emotional, offered comfort where they could.
One of Likhona’s classmates, Oratile Mabona , shared a touching tribute:
“A classmate, a friend, a smile so bright. Taken from us in the darkest of night. Your absence leaves a void, a pain so real, a tragedy that shakes us.”
Poems, songs, and heartfelt speeches continued to pour in throughout the afternoon, each one reinforcing the call for justice and the collective mourning of a community shattered by violence.
Justice and Safety for Children: A National Call
The brutal killing of Likhona Fose has once again brought the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection into the national spotlight. Many community members and speakers used the memorial as a platform to call on law enforcement and the justice system to act swiftly and decisively.
Activists demanded better safety measures for children, especially young girls walking to and from school. Several speakers urged the government to invest more in education, community policing, and GBV prevention programs in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Her death has also sparked broader discussions around hate crimes and the possibility of Likhona being targeted due to her identity. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane previously noted that investigators have not ruled out the possibility that she was murdered because of her sexuality.
The tragic circumstances of Likhona’s death serve as a painful reminder of the dangers many South African children face daily. Community leaders have issued a call to parents, schools, and local authorities to work together to create safer environments for all children.
Law enforcement officials at the memorial confirmed that the investigation into Likhona’s murder is ongoing. While no arrests have been made public yet, police have stated they are pursuing leads and have vowed to bring justice to the grieving family.
The SACAA and various children’s rights organizations have also pledged to support the case, provide counseling to students, and advocate for policy change aimed at reducing crimes against minors.
As the sun set over Braamfischerville on Thursday, the call for justice rang louder than ever. The memory of Likhona Fose—her smile, her laughter, her potential—lives on in the hearts of her classmates and community. But those memories are now accompanied by a burning demand: no more silence, no more inaction.
Her memorial was more than just a goodbye; it was a declaration. South Africa’s children deserve to grow up safe, respected, and protected. And until justice is done for Likhona, the call will not end—it will grow stronger.
Source- EWN
