By News SA:
15 years ago, a young and promising life was stolen. Today, her voice still echoes — unanswered, unheard. Akhona Geveza, a 19-year-old maritime cadet from the rural Nxarhuni in East London, South Africa, embarked on a Transnet learnership with dreams of building a better future. She never made it back home, dying mysteriously in the foreign high seas in the hands of those who were supposed to look after her as an intern.
In June 2010, her lifeless body was found floating off the coast of Croatia while aboard a Safmarine vessel. Before her death, Akhona confided in her father that she was being sexually harassed by a senior officer on the ship — a man who referred to her as “his wife.” She feared for her life, and tragically, her fears were not unfounded. Soon after her death, the accused officer reportedly took his own life. And with that act, it seems the justice system wiped its hands clean of the case.
Fifteen years have passed. Her father, who fought tirelessly for the truth, has since passed on, with no answers, no justice, and no closure. Her mother, still alive, continues to carry the unbearable weight of grief and injustice. She has received no compensation, no meaningful investigation outcome, and no accountability from Transnet or the South African justice system.
This is not just a story of one family. It is a glaring example of systemic failure, of corporate silence, and of institutional neglect. South Africa cannot continue to turn a blind eye while families suffer in the shadows.
At the time of her mysterious death, human rights activism was not strong in South Africa, and gender-based violence was not a priority. Now is the time to campaign for justice for Akhona, who would have lived with a career as a sailor who took care of her family. The hopes of her mother were dashed with her untimely death, but justice must prevail and must be seen to be done for Akhona so as to give closure to the still grieving mother. The resolution of this matter would give hope to many other women whose fates remain unknown and unresolved.
We demand the following:
A full public inquiry into the case of Akhona Geveza
Transparent accountability from Transnet and the maritime training authorities
Financial compensation and support for Akhona’s mother
Reform in the protection of women in maritime training programs
#JusticeForAkhona is not just a hashtag. It is a call to action. A nation that forgets its daughters fails its future. Share this post. Tag Transnet. Tag the Department of Justice. Tag the National Department of Transport, Tag the Presidency. Make noise. Let Akhona’s name ring again — not as a victim, but as a spark that lights the fire of change. – @NewsSA_Online
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