Gender-based violence and threats in South Africa are a major issue that needs urgent attention. It refers to any harm, physical or emotional, that is inflicted on an individual based on their gender identity or expression. This includes physical abuse, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and economic abuse. The prevalence of gender-based violence in South Africa is alarmingly high, and it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a violation of human rights and a serious crime that has long-lasting consequences for victims and society as a whole. It is important to raise awareness about this issue, speak out against it, and support victims and survivors. Everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence and ensuring a safer and more equal society for all.

Cyber bullying is a serious issue in South Africa, as it is in many other parts of the world. According to a survey conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), one in four teenagers in South Africa have experienced cyber bullying. The effects of cyber bullying can be severe and can include anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

The South African government has taken steps to address cyber bullying, including the Protection from Harassment Act of 2011, which includes provisions against cyber bullying. However, more needs to be done to address this issue and protect individuals, especially young people, from the harmful effects of online bullying. It is important for individuals to be aware of the signs of cyber bullying and to speak out against it, and for schools and communities to provide support and resources for those who have been affected by it.

Intimidation is a form of bullying that involves using threats or coercion to instill fear in someone. When individuals gang up on someone and threaten them with legal action or jail, it can create a sense of powerlessness and anxiety for the victim. The effects of this kind of intimidation can be significant, leading to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Bullying online, also known as cyberbullying, involves the use of technology to harass, intimidate, or humiliate another person. This can include posting derogatory comments or messages on social media, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, or creating fake profiles to spread rumors or lies. Cyberbullying can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

It is important to recognize and speak out against both forms of bullying and intimidation. If you or someone you know is experiencing harassment or threats online or in person, seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.

In 2022 I decided that I want to sell some of my unused good quality items including wetsuits as I was not using them. Victor Hogan happened to purchase something from me for his Fiancé, Vianca Fourie. I was in Johannesburg and I realised that the wetsuit was in Cape Town. I often sell online and never had any issues with previous sales, so while arranging everything I started to get peculiar messages from both Victor and Viance which turned into threats and even threats of physical harm. I started having many emotions and before I knew it they had contacted my boss and ex-colleague whom I have a restraining order against (I have a restraining order filed against her with urgent application for her previous threats and daughter stalking and entering my complex property unlawfully).

Victor Hogan is a South African athlete who is known for his achievements in the discus throw. He was born on February 26, 1989, in the city of Durban, South Africa. Hogan has competed in various national and international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the African Championships. He has won numerous medals throughout his career and has been ranked as one of the top discus throwers in the world. Hogan is also known for his dedication to fitness and training, and he has inspired many people to pursue their athletic goals.

Victor Hogan is a physically imposing athlete, standing at an impressive height of 1.99 meters (6 feet 6 inches) and weighing around 125 kilograms (275 pounds). His stature gives him a powerful advantage in his sport of discus throwing, as he is able to generate a significant amount of momentum and force when he releases the discus. Hogan’s physical strength and conditioning are also essential to his success, as he must maintain a high level of fitness and endurance in order to compete at the elite level. Despite his intimidating size, Hogan is known for his friendly demeanor and approachable personality off the field, making him a popular and well-respected figure in the world of athletics.

A girl who stands at 5 feet tall and wears teenager clothing may have a petite stature. Petite clothing is designed for individuals who are shorter in height and have smaller frames. Typically, clothing marked as “petite” is designed for women who are 5’4″ and under. Does this equation seem fair? A man 125kg vs me? Not that I like violence at all!

Yet I was personally victimised and fat-shamed and threatened with violence by a world-renowned athlete because his parcel was late and I did not provide a tracking number as my aunty/oom put the wrong number but I made every attempt to re-assure him his wetsuit will arrive ASAP. Eventually I told him I will delay the delivery if he carries on with me. OF course being a professional I did not do this but the bullying wouldn’t stop.

Exposing cyber bullies is not bullying but rather bringing attention to their harmful behavior. Cyber bullying can have serious mental and emotional impacts on the victim, and it’s important to take a stand against it. By exposing cyber bullies, individuals are shining a light on their actions and holding them accountable for their behavior.

It’s important to note that simply calling out someone’s negative behavior is not the same as engaging in cyber bullying yourself. Cyber bullying involves deliberately and repeatedly harassing or threatening someone online, while calling out harmful behavior involves holding someone accountable for their actions and bringing attention to the impact they are having.

It’s crucial to remember that everyone has the right to feel safe and respected online, and those who engage in cyber bullying should be called out for their behavior. This not only helps the victim but can also prevent future instances of cyber bullying.

Pigspotter IMMEDIATELY stood up for Victor Hogan as an ally on my Instagram account.

PigSpotter is a Twitter account that gained popularity in South Africa for providing real-time updates on speed traps and roadblocks set up by law enforcement agencies. The account was started in 2011 by a man known only as “PigSpotter,” who claimed to be a former police officer.

The account quickly gained a large following, with many motorists using it to avoid being caught by law enforcement. However, it also drew criticism from law enforcement officials who claimed that it was hindering their efforts to enforce traffic laws and catch criminals.

In 2012, the South African Police Service (SAPS) obtained a court order to force Twitter to reveal the identity of the person behind the PigSpotter account. The court order was eventually withdrawn, and the identity of the person behind the account remains unknown.

Despite the controversy surrounding the account, it remains active and has over 1.5 million followers on Twitter. Some people have criticized PigSpotter for promoting reckless driving and undermining law enforcement, while others defend the account as a way for motorists to avoid being unfairly targeted by law enforcement.

In conclusion, you are often the company you keep and it doesn’t matter who you are, no man should be threatening a woman who is not directly physically harming that individual. There is no reason to threaten someones health, well-being or livelihood especially not over a preloved wetsuit!

Sources:

• “PigSpotter – hero or villain?” by Gugulethu Mhlungu, The Daily Maverick (2012)
• “South African Twitter Hero ‘PigSpotter’ Revealed?” by Meghan Neal, Vice (2012)
• “The Power of PigSpotter” by Rebecca Davis, Daily Maverick (2014)

Here are some sources related to gender-based violence in South Africa:

1. “South Africa’s gender-based violence epidemic, explained” by Vox: https://www.vox.com/2019/9/13/20861450/south-africa-gender-based-violence-rape-femicide-protest
2. “Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: A Brief Overview” by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): https://southafrica.unfpa.org/en/publications/gender-based-violence-south-africa-brief-overview
3. “Gender-based violence is South Africa’s shame – it must be tackled” by The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/06/gender-based-violence-is-south-africas-shame-it-must-be-tackled
4. “South Africa tackles gender-based violence” by BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49670123
5. “National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide” by the South African Government: https://www.gov.za/documents/national-strategic-plan-gender-based-violence-and-femicide
6. “Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: A Call to Action” by the Heinrich Böll Foundation Southern Africa: https://za.boell.org/en/2019/09/02/gender-based-violence-south-africa-call-action