As we approach the winding down of the 16 Days Campaign for No Violence against Women and Children, government reminds South Africans that there is no place for perpetrators of domestic violence or gender based violence in our society. Government will not tire in condemning cowardly acts that are perpetuated against the most vulnerable members of the society.
Minister of Women, Ms Susan Shabangu said: “Government will continue to tighten the reigns of the law. The recent sentencing to three life terms of the 52 year old East London man who raped his biological daughter, adopted daughter and niece is one of the testimonies that the wheels of justice continue to turn”.
If South Africa has to win the fight against this scourge all members of society must stand up and make a difference. The safety of our women and children rests in the hands of, not only government but every South African.
This year marks the 17th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign in South Africa. “It is important that the campaign is not viewed as a stand-alone event but another leg of the year-long campaigns that are aimed at mobilising members of the society, especially men to join hands with government against children and women abuse”, Shabangu said.
“We call on responsible father figures to instill the values of human dignity, equality and respect in young men and boys. They must mentor and teach young boys to grow into men who value and respect women and men are encouraged to get actively involved in programmes that prevent gender violence”, added Shabangu.
Government has several legislative provisions in place to address violence and abuse of women and children.
The Domestic Violence Act, the Criminal Law Amendment (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Act, the Protection from Harassment Act and the Children’s Act are some of the pieces of legislation that were enacted to, among other things, protect women and children. In addition, laws such as that which prohibits kidnapping and human trafficking provide another layer of protection.
South Africa is also a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and we have recently hosted the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women. We welcome the fruitful engagement that she has had with government and with civil society and look forward to her final report which we are sure will enrich our approach to eradicating this scourge.
Thuthuzela Care Centres are one-stop centres, which enable rape victims to lodge a case with the police and receive counselling and medical care, and are located in various areas throughout the country. The Gender Based Violence Command Centre, Telephone number 0800428 428, or *120*7867# and the Commission on Gender Equality complaints line should be known and used by witnesses and victims of violence against women and children to seek protection.
“Change starts with you and I; it is in our power to make our communities and society safe for women and children. Together we can take South Africa forward by promoting and supporting peaceful co-existence in homes and communities”, Shabangu said.
Enquiries:
Charlotte Lobe
Cell: 076 213 9941
Sixolise Gcilishe
Cell: 082 429 1923
