The Commission for Gender Equality strongly condemns the killings of innocent people in Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape.
While the whole country is celebrating the advances that women are making in society, the unfortunate death of the innocent children and their grandmother puts a damper on Women's Month.
The CGE calls on law enforcers to act decisively by ensuring that justice is done and those found guilty should receive the stiffest sentence.
Gender based violence (GBV) against women and children cannot be condoned and an example to would be abusers has to be set if South Africa wants to get rid of the scourge completely.
The CGE documented in its report when investigating South Africa's compliance to the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) that women in rural areas due to the abject poverty are the most vulnerable.
It is a worrying trend that requires all stakeholders as a collective to find a suitable solution to the challenge. It is also critical that women and children in Ngqeleni and elsewhere in the country enjoy the same fundamental freedoms bar the fact of being in rural areas.
We, as the CGE will continue to monitor the unfolding of the court case and the promise made by the provincial government and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in ensuring that decent accommodation and other necessities are provided to the deceased's family.
We also unequivocal call on all South Africans to respect the rights of women and children to be protected against the travesty of gender based violence.
Contact person:
Javu Baloyi
Tel: 083 579 3306
Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) condemns the killings in Ngqeleni
