F Morule: Prayer meeting at Bohlong

20 August 2006

Honourable Mayor and councillors,
Programme Director,
Ministers of religion and congregants,
Esteemed guests,
Senior SAPS managers,
Members of the police service,
Ladies and gentlemen:

Today, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of women’s march against the
passes, we are also acknowledging and appreciating the historic importance of
the Free State women in the fight against women oppression.

It was in 1913 when the women in the Free State marched against passes that
is 43 years before the national march to Pretoria, pointing to the fact that
Free State women have always been progressive and in the forefront of the
liberation struggle. This observation is important to make so as to begin to
appreciate the role that the women played in the struggle against injustice as
well as to highlight the historic contribution the province has made in the
struggle against apartheid in general.

We have come to Bohlokong, in particular, because of the apparent and
disturbing developments of very serious and violent crimes directed at women.
The recent events including the rape and murder of the old granny that we laid
to rest few weeks ago bear testimony to the fact that shameful things are
happening to our womenfolk. These are disturbing as they are happening at a
time when we were supposed to be celebrating with them and appreciating the
role that they have played and are still playing in building the nation. The
2005/06 crime statistics indicate an alarming increase in criminal activities.
Many of these could be ascribed to alcohol and drug abuse. There are too many
shebeens, taverns and other liquor selling outlets in Bohlokong
specifically.

Let me hasten to assure you that my Department, in collaboration with the
Department of Tourism, Economic and Environmental Affairs is in the process of
finalising the Liquor Bill which will regulate the sale of liquor in the
province.

The police are doing whatever they can within the limits of their capacity
to fight crime but as we have witnessed on their own they cannot eliminate
crime, as they themselves are targets of criminals. This is where the community
comes in as partners in the fight against crime. Sound relations and
co-operation between the police and the community is where the strength of
fighting crime rests. I would therefore appeal to all to be active in Community
Policing Forums (CPFs) by either becoming members or supporting the activities
organised by the CPFs.

A special appeal goes to the people of faith and the churches in general.
These are people from every corner of our society who irrespective of their
differences or what they believe in differently have one thing in common; they
are involved in a struggle that seek to make the world a better place to be.
Since time immemorial the risk of instilling acceptable values and morals has
always been bestowed upon these institutions as extensions of family
teachings.

These are the institutions that are correctly placed to ensure that crime in
general and women suffering in particular come to an end. That they are
correctly placed is because of the reality that they command respect from their
followers who are either victims or perpetrators of these evils. They are the
correct institutions for the moulding of ubuntu whose central principle is “you
are because I am”. In short they are meant to encourage their followers to live
harmoniously with each other and not cause each other any suffering or
harm.

People of faith can and have always played a pivotal role in striving to end
human sufferings. Incidents of rape, child molestations, family killings and
many other related evils that have come to characterise our society today are
indications that the challenge for the nation and particularly believers is
more serious and need desperate measures.

For us to call ourselves true believers we should be able to live ubuntu.
There is no form of faith that is opposed to ubuntu as a way of living. Living
ubuntu means in practical terms caring for the other, avoiding hurting each
other to have empathy, to forgive, to love, to give, to respect, to be frank,
honest and faithful.

These are the values and principles that are enshrined in our constitution.
In the same breath they are incorporated in the teachings of every faith.

We are all engaged in a struggle to create a better life for all. Let us all
join hands in this battle to rid our society of these social evils for the sake
of our daughters, our mothers, our sisters and our wives.

I thank you!

Issued by: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, Free State Provincial
Government
20 August 2006
Source: Free State Provincial Government (http://www.fs.gov.za)