7 November 2007
North West Premier Edna Molewa has called upon all people to act against all
forms of abuse instead of being indifferent.
Ms Molewa said everyone knew an act of abuse somewhere but very few people
came forward to either assist or report such acts so as to stop them.
"There is never an instance when someone, somewhere, does not know about
acts of violence perpetrated against women and children", Premier Molewa
said.
Ms Molewa added that the tragedy of the situation was that some of the
people were aware of abuse in their neighbourhoods but decide not to expose
these.
The Premier also unveiled the provincial government's plan to build 32
houses across the province for victims of women and children abuse.
At the sod-turning ceremony for a house to be build in Maboloka Village, Ms
Molewa highlighted that government would continue to protect and support
victims of such form of abuse.
A beneficiary, Grace Dlamini (50), said she was happy that government
extended a helping hand to needy victims of abuse.
"I am happy that me and my son, Lawrence, will now have a place to call
home. I hope that government will also assist other people like me who need
this kind of help," she said.
Ms Molewa called on those who find it difficult to act against abuse as
cowards.
"It is this type of cowardice which endangers your individual situation as
well as the image and the very future of our nation", she said, adding that it
was not upon cowardice but courage that we can built this nation, this
democracy, and it is upon these noble traits and characteristics that we shall
free our society from gender violence and the abuse of the vulnerable.
She reminded the nation of the plight that befell the Rasuge family of
Themba, north of Pretoria following the disappearance of Constable Francis
Rasuge.
"I speak of Constable Francis Rasuge, who up to this day remains unaccounted
for because she dared refuse to be a slave to a relationship she no longer
wanted," said Ms Molewa.
The Premier said she was convinced that someone elsewhere was aware of what
happened to Francis Rasuge.
"I call upon that person to remember that he or she is also human and has
human beings for family. I call upon that person to rise to the occasion and
let the humanity coursing through his or her veins dictate the right course of
action, and that is to expose those who have deprived Francis Rasuge of her
rights as a South African," said Ms Molewa.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson
Tel: 018 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
7 November 2007
