Coordinator: Sibongile Mchunu. Sibongile has worked for CCJ since 1998.

Contact: 034 393 1009 (tel / fax)

Email: Glencoe.ccj@gmail.com

District: Umzinyathi Municipality

Most common cases: Legal advice and domestic violence

Areas served: Sithembile Township, Inkunzi, Dundee, Impathe, Hattingspruit, Burnside, Nyanyadu, eMalonjeni, Sibongile Township, eNyanyeni and Thalana communities.

Descriptions: Glencoe is a former mining town outside Dundee. Surrounded by farms and the Sithembile Township where the majority of Glencoe residents live, the area is characterised by poverty and crime. Most communities fall under traditional leadership of Amakhosi and izinduna.

The Glencoe office is situated at the police station. It is easily accessible to the target population, and roads and transport are adequate. In 2011, the office dealt with 208 cases, with legal advice (91) and domestic violence (64) being the most common..

Sibongile Mchunu

How long have you worked for CCJ?

Since 1998 

What led you to work for CCJ?

I have always been interested in humanitarian work. I was working in catering as a tea lady when I heard about the job. I like the work because it empowers women.

What would you say are the biggest challenges facing people in your area?

They are domestic violence, child abuse, rape and labour problems.

Have you had a case when you relied on traditional customs?

I think it’s a polite and respectful way of solving minor problems and keeping it in the family. But we don’t use those methods. They are not part of the law.

Who is your role model?

My late mother - she always supported me, took my side in a fight, forgave me when I had done something wrong, and knew when something was wrong with me.

Are there any laws that would like to see changed?

In cases of child rape, it takes too long for the perpetrator to go to trial. There are too many delays and often the man is not found guilty.

Can you describe one of the most satisfying cases you have dealt with?

A woman was married to a man who was cheating on her and was well-known as a womaniser. He wouldn’t wear a condom and because of this she refused to sleep with him. She asked me for advice and I told her that it was her legal right to say no to sex because her life was in danger.

I called them both to mediation and told them about the risk of HIV/AIDS. The man was furious and felt that we women were ganging up on him. Then I threatened to take out a protection order and gave the wife advice about a divorce. At this point the man apologised and said he would use a condom in the future. The couple are still together today and everything is okay.

Are there any particular challenges you have in your work?

We don’t have the resources we need, like photocopiers, faxes and telephones. With transport, the police help us sometimes but it is also a problem.

What advice would you give children growing up in Glencoe?

I would tell children to break the silence and expose abusers, and to make informed decisions about relationships, sex and their future. I would tell them that every part of their body is precious.