Best way to honour Nelson Mandela Bay activist is to continue her work

Pamela Mabini was first thrust into the spotlight in 2017.

It was during the first few court appearances of leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church Timothy Omotoso, where it became apparent that the gender activist was playing a pivotal role in assisting the alleged victims of sex crimes, allegedly perpetrated by Omotoso.

But by then, the community of Nelson Mandela Bay’s Kwazakhele and New Brighton had already been well acquainted with Mabini for the work that she was doing in the community to help the less fortunate.

She was involved in various projects distributing food, hygiene products, and school supplies, and was always working quietly behind the scenes fighting for social justice.

This work, as well as her tireless pursuit in fighting for a safer city and province, is what earned her awards — The Herald Citizens of the Year Award and later the Daily Dispatch Local Heroes Award.

Her death at the hands of a merciless thug, or thugs, on Friday has rocked the Bay community because of the senseless and cruel nature of it.

Mabini was a fearless, powerful figure of strength, particularly for women.

Not only was she a breadwinner to her family, Mabini touched many lives every single day through her foundation, and she did so because she genuinely cared, having left the corporate environment to focus on her foundation.

A flurry of statements were sent out on Friday, condemning her murder and calling for swift justice for Maro, as she was affectionately known.

The EFF in the Eastern Cape said her murder was a declaration of war against victims of gender-based violence. We agree.

While we call on the police to find the perpetrators and ensure swift justice for Mabini, it is important for the community of the Bay to pick up the baton and continue with the work that Mabini started.

There is no better way to honour her memory than to continue with the work she started.

The Herald