Most people feel unsafe in Khayelitsha, survey shows

Rape Crisis volunteers conducted door-to-door surveys in different areas in Khayelitsha between 24 November and 1 December as part of the organisation’s “16 days of activism” campaign.

The results were released at the newly renovated Rape Crisis offices in Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha last week.

Of the 492 people who participated, 59% said rape was a problem, 19% said it wasn’t and 22% were not sure.

Most people, 72% of women and 50% of men, indicated that they felt “somewhat” or “totally” unsafe in Khayelitsha. Several attributed high crime to drug and alcohol abuse.

Two in five participants said they would report rape to the police before telling family, a counsellor, and lastly, other members of the community.

“The results were in line with what we knew. I was just surprised that both women and men didn’t feel safe here. It’s amazing to see that the community is very interested in this initiative because it shows that people are concerned about these issues,” said Rape Crisis training and development coordinator in Khayelitsha, Kholeka Booi.

She said the research could be used to assist government and civil society organisations to tackle rape and domestic violence cases in the area.

Harare resident Koleka Tshamlambo said: “It helps when organisations have these meetings because it educates the community. Many people don’t know where to go for help, especially for sensitive things like rape.

“We don’t feel safe in our community anymore. It’s a problem,” she said.