Olorato's family calls on men to take a stance against GBV
Mourners and Lombardi West residents gathered last night for a candlelight vigil in the area where Mongale's body was dumped and found.
Family and friends attended a candlelight memorial service for journalist Olorato Mongale on 28 May 2025 at the site in Lombardy West, Johannesburg where her body was found. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - As the death of Olorato Mongale's continues to send shockwaves nationwide, mourners have pleaded with men to lend a positive voice in fighting against the scourge of gender-based violence.
Mourners and Lombardy West residents gathered on Wednesday for a candlelight vigil in the area where Mongale's body was dumped and found.
Her loved ones last heard from her on Sunday when she went on a date with a man only known as "John" whom she had recently met at a mall in Bloemfontein.
The 30-year-old's body was discovered the following day hours after she was seen leaving with the man.
"We are pleading with men to lend their voice. We are crying as women. We have numerous organisations. Oftentimes, when men add their voice, they ask what the woman was wearing; they say women love the life of slay queens; why are you dating Nigerians? Those words hurt us," said family spokesperson, Criselda Kananda.
Kananda called on men to take a stance against GBV.
"We want to hear men who are going to stand and say, 'Not in our name'. I'm asking you right now, if you're a man, please speak wholeheartedly and say 'Not in my name'.