Rape survivor helps others battle GBVF

Falling victim to a heinous sexual crime and not getting justice is a traumatic experience that could have left Norma Uhuru Mbele hopeless, but she rallied to start an organisation that fights gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).  Mbele is the founder of Tosunga Baninga, a non-profit organisation situated in Evaton, Emfuleni, Gauteng, that helps survivors of GBVF, including various forms of abuse and rape.  “The name Tosunga Baninga comes from the Lingala language used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and means ‘helping you to help others’. The organisation purposefully chose this language to unite women’s struggles across gender, race, nationality and class,” she explains

The organisation offers a variety of support services to survivors of GBVF-related crimes and their families, including skill development courses and guidance through the courts’ complex processes. Tosunga Baninga also conducts awareness campaigns and other forms of activism throughout the Emfuleni region. It also runs an overnight shelter for women, including lesbians and bisexuals.

“I started the organisation because I survived gang rape and never got justice. The aim is to change the narrative about survivors, who are frequently portrayed as lazy and dependent, especially in poor communities,” Mbele said.

Although the organisation began operations in 2011, it only registered as a non-profit organisation in 2018 before transitioning to a non-profit company in 2022 due to a shortage of funds.  For the past three years, the organisation has collaborated with local youth organisations to educate young men and women about the harmful consequences of GBVF, among other things.  “Through exhibitions and dialogues, we reached approximately 800 people in 2024. Currently, 40 people benefit from our programmes,” Mbele said.

You can follow the organisation on Facebook, X and TikTok: Tosunga Baninga or call 081 321 8400 or WhatsApp on 079 034 267.