The gigs will not only include live music performances, but talks to create awareness for and give a voice to the millions of violent and sexual crime victims in South Africa as well.
From Thrusday, 30 January 2014 to Tuesday, 29 April 2014, they will embark on this journey across the country, which will be documented via online streaming, film, and social media. With less than two months to go Chapman and Kawa are focused on creating as much awareness, support and sponsorships for the project as possible.
Businesswoman and rape activist Kawa started Kwanele-Enuf Foundation after a gruesome gang-rape two and a half years ago. Despite her horrific ordeal, she was inspired by the words of late former President Nelson Mandela in the book
Broken Bones and Broken Bodies: Violence Against Women Exposed. He said: “Safety and security do not just happen; they are a result of a collective consensus and public investment. We owe it to our children - the most vulnerable citizens of society - a life free from violence and fear. In order to ensure this, we must become tireless in our efforts not only to attain peace, justice and prosperity for countries but for communities and members of the same community. We must address the roots of violence. Only then will we transform the past legacy from a crushing burden into a cautionary lesson.”
Kawa believes that society needs healing and reconciliation as the cases of rape and sexual abuse run deep. South Africa can attain this healing and begin a new era where women, men and children live freely without the fear of rape and molestation and where rape and sexual violence in an exception instead of the norm.
“The work of transformation has to start in the smallest places, which is our homes, where we protect our children, the handicapped and our elderly – the vulnerable of our society. From families this transformation will move to our communities, schools, organization and the greater society. We have a Constitution that upholds the rights safety and security, to human dignity, justice and protection of children and vulnerable of society. Currently, rape and sexual abuse negated the values enshrined in the Constitution, and Kwanele-Enuf intends to mobilize the greater society, judiciary and government to work together to make the Constitution a reality that can be upheld by the South African Society,” says Kawa.
Chapman is a successful and well-known singer/songwriter, actress, radio DJ, lecturer, music promoter, booking agent and staunch supporter of South African Talent which she pursues through her company, The Local Element.
An incredible live performer, vocalist and songwriter, Chapman is one of South Africa’s finest. A rising star internationally she is one of those musicians who has steadily been building a following and outstanding reputation in South Africa and Internationally. Her blend of country/blues/rock original music and dynamic performances are well sought after by a wide and diverse fan base.
In defiance of the dangers that a single woman faces on the open road she will travel alone for 90 days to 90 towns to perform 90 gigs nationwide.
“As a South African woman I am constantly reminded of the dangers that I face in a violent society, where mutual respect seems to have disappeared amongst our fellow citizens. I believe it is every person’s right to feel safe and protected in and out of their homes. I am passionate about finding a solution to the devastating situation we find ourselves in and wonder and worry about the future of our children. As a musician I can contribute my voice to the pursuit of a South Africa where women, men and children can pursue their dreams without the threat of violence. Where perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are treated with kindness and support. I have committed my time and skills to the 90 days, 90 towns, 90 gigs tour where I will spread my message through music. I hope in some way to make a difference in all of our lives,” says Chapman.
Rape and sexual violence has long been part of the legacy of South Africa as an intergenerational crime that has managed to go unchallenged because of the associated stigma, silence, fear and impunity. Today, this crime has escalated to the extent that the victims, their families and communities have no option but to stand up and shred the veil of silence.
As rape does not discriminate in terms of gender (although the majority of cases are female), age, race or social class but affects society at large, Kwanele | Enuf-is-Enuf cannot do it alone. A national strategy is required with research into the enablers of this crime. A comprehensive plan could then be developed.
Ordinary citizens could work within their own spheres of influence and in conjunction with the proposed national strategy – individuals, families, communities, NGOs and activists all have a role to play in influencing the change we want to see.
Kwanele | Enuf-is-Enuf projects will ensure that interventions are not just once-off events. We plan to roll out evolving projects over the next few years; focusing on awareness and breaking the chain of silence to mobilisation of communities in making their areas safer by not tolerating criminal activity.
The key objectives of Kwanele-Enuf are:
- To mobilise communities and other stakeholders, as well as the judiciary and government to break the chain of silence surrounding rape, and thus address it as a critical problem in urgent need of solutions;
- To pressurise the judiciary, to address the loopholes in the investigation processes so that cease can be admissible before the courts;
- To use Media and the Arts to convey healing, reconciliation and behaviour change;
To work with other organisations and government in developing a comprehensive National Plan that addresses the downfalls in the societal, socio-economic and justice systems which enable rape and abuse to continue; and
- To change the tidal wave of rampant sexual violent crimes and work to attain a country that has ZERO tolerance to rape and sexual abuse.
Chapman and Kawa would like to carry the flag for victims of violent crime on their one woman missions around the country. Alongside them is an incredible support team including PR, Event Management and Chapman’s loyal fan base. They will aim to raise awareness and funds for Kwanela-enuf.
The project cannot be successful without the support of the communities visited. Individuals and Businesses can aid where they can with either logistics and/or organising performances, hospitality, sponsorships and/or donations.
Sponsors include Kwanele-enuf; Marshall Music; The Local Element; and Tixsa.
For more information, visit
www.kwanele-enuf.co.za. Alternatively, click
here. If one would like to get involved, email
[email protected].