We should not tolerate gender-based violence, says committee
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Mr Mondli Gungubele, has called on South Africans to be intolerant of gender-based violence and repression aimed at women in all sections of society.
Mr Gungubele welcomed the start of the 16 Days of Activism against women and the five days of mourning led by the South African government. He said the interventions to fight the abuse of women, children and vulnerable citizens need not should not be limited to a time period and ought to happen 365 days a year.
“On behalf of the committee, we welcome all the government-led initiatives geared towards ending the abuse of women. Ordinary South Africans must also get involved and champion this fight.”
Government will this year lead the nation’s five-day mourning for the victims of gender-based violence, from 26 November to 1 December, when all flags will fly at half-mast. Today also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism.
Mr Gungubele said victims of gender-based violence should seek justice and report incidents of violence. “Law enforcement agencies have an obligation to follow-up and act meaningfully by siding with the victim. There is no excuse for abusing women and children. South Africa should be safe for women and children to prosper. The time to put a stop killing, trafficking and raping women is now.”
Mr Gungubele said there should be serious consequences for anyone accused of gender-based violence, irrespective of their social standing. “The objective is a safe world, wherein women are affirmed as leaders. That is what we should all strive to achieve.”
The committee received a briefing from the Department of Social Development on the annual reports in its portfolio. The committee welcomed the department’s interventions, not only against gender-based violence, but also towards improving the livelihoods of people who depend on its services.
Mr Gungubele also called on victims of gender-based violence and femicide to make maximum use of the psycho-social support services provided by the department, such as the Gender-Based Command Centre and the Khusela One Stop centres.
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