On 17 November, the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomatyala E Hangana, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Fatima Hajaig and Safety and Security Deputy Minister Susan Shabangu, symbolically demonstrated with the lighting of the torch of peace, the upcoming campaign of 16 Days of Activism against abuse of Women and Children at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
This ceremony marks the beginning of an intense campaign to create awareness around issues of the abuse of women and children in South Africa. The campaign starts officially on 25 November and will run until 10 December.
The drive of the campaign
The 16 Days of Activism against abuse of Women and Children Campaign was launched in view of growing concerns that more than 52 000 rape cases are reported every year. The Deputy Minister made a plea to the public to help reduce alcohol and drug abuse which she said contributed to domestic violence.
Issued by: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
20 November 2009
Source: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (http://www.dplg.gov.za)
