South African-based Zimbabwean woman establishes foundation to assist rape victims

MS Nobuhle Virginia Ajiti, a Zimbabwean woman based in South Africa is a survivor of rape and sexual violence.

She was raped by a gang of thugs several years ago in the neighbouring country.

After her ordeal, Ms Ajiti never thought that she would heal from the trauma. Today, she stands tall and leads an organisation that offers assistance to women in a similar predicament.

She has told how sharing her story with other survivors helped them to deal with their trauma.

She formed a charity organisation and named it Nobuhle Virgie Foundation in her endeavour to assist rape survivors and victims of gender-based violence.

“I have never hidden the fact that I was gang-raped. I am saying this because most women keep it to themselves for fear of stigmatisation. Speaking out has helped me heal,” said Ms Ajiti.

“I was a peer educator in my community back when I was still in Zimbabwe. I worked at Ndlovu and Sizinda youth centres educating my peers on various issues.

From there, I was identified by a non-governmental organisation to work with them as an HIV and Aids workshop facilitator.”

Ms Ajiti said she relocated to South Africa in 2006, where she then worked at a call centre while doing voluntary work with various organisations and she gained experience.

“I was affected a lot while growing up since I was a victim of gender-based violence (GBV) that is why I assist women who are also victims of GBV because I have been there before,” she said.

“I passed through many phases in my life and it has made me who I am today.”

Ms Ajiti’s advocacy work came through a singularly tragic event when she was a victim of a gang rape. She was raped while coming from work.

“I was going home from work when I was confronted by a gang of six thugs who attacked and gang-raped me. Unfortunately, I was once again re-victimised by people at public institutions such as the hospital and police station,” said Ms Ajiti.

She said that experience marked the beginning of her passion to advocate for women in the same predicament.

“I wanted to make sure that they do not go through what I went through. What I went through is what most foreigners go through in South Africa,” said Ms Ajiti.

“Besides that, I have gone through a lot of tragic moments in my life such that I was even homeless at one point.”

Ms Ajiti said she also works with several organisations that assist raped women.

She also makes sure she assists migrants in accessing the services that they need.

“When they encounter problems such as lack of access to healthcare, I step in and bring in referrals from institutions that work with migrants,” said Ms Ajiti.

“We offer our assistance to ensure that such people get help. We do a lot around educating them and raising awareness on documentation.”

Ms Ajiti said her network and organisation are so solid.

“What often happens is that I’d receive a tip-off and go out there, with the support of the police, and make sure that the survivor receives all the help that they need, be it a place of safety, and medical assistance,” she said.

Ms Ajiti said the police have always been very supportive and helpful when it comes to GBV survivors.”