Helping the community of Tafelsig, an area where gang violence is rife and where poverty and unemployment are high, Joy Maart is there to assist those in need.
The pensioner, for many years, has been feeding children who have nothing to eat and empowering women through various programmes. She is very passionate about helping others; she would even take money out of her pocket to assist a hungry child.
This 68-year-old woman is filling a gap where the government should, but she needs assistance herself. Maart has made a case against her 47-year-old daughter, Tania Peterson, who allegedly attacked her.
On 14 June 2022, she appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court. The case against Peterson includes assault, damage to property and intimidation.
She told Action Society that her daughter becomes aggressive, rude, and violent when intoxicated.
Maart said when she gets angry and cannot get her way, she throws urine and human faeces inside and outside the house. “For years, she’s had no respect for me and those inside the house. She shouts, screams, swears, and performs in the road when I tell her to leave the house. She smashes doors, windows… And who must cover the damages? Me. I am sick and tired of this abuse”.
Maart says the latest incident saw a glass to her head. “She was looking for food; she came into the house and scratched in one of the pots. I told her the food was not hers and told her to leave. She didn’t. Instead, she took a glass and hit it on my head; my head was full of glass. She then put me to the ground and hurt me. Someone then entered and helped her get off me.”
She said at that point, she had enough of the abuse and made a case at the police station. Maart and her daughter have been in and out of court and appeared again on 14 June. Action Society assists Maart with her matter and spoke to the prosecutor, who indicated that Maart did not want mediation.
Peterson stood in court in her white and red tracksuit top and spoke to her legal aid lawyer, who indicated that there would be no mediation.
The matter has been postponed to 20 July 2022 for trial.
Action Society will be supporting Maart. She has mandated Action Society to assist with further investigation and appointed as watching brief.
