The Commission for Gender Equality applauds the courage demonstrated by the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu in disclosing that she too, was a victim of sexual abuse at Filadelfia Secondary School for disabled persons.
By coming out Ms Bogopane-Zulu has actually confirmed the experiences of the girls who were raped at the school last week. In addition, it is likely that [in] her telling us she has also strengthened these girls and made them realise that they are not alone.
The question is though, how many girls have been violated at this school and for how long? We need to ask why the authorities did not take this indiscretion as blight on the school and its educators. The Commission for Gender Equality calls upon the Department of Education to institute an investigation as a matter of urgency to deal with current and previous incidents of sexual abuse at Filadelfia, including Ms Bogopane-Zulu’s experience of violence.
We also call upon law enforcers to take appropriate action against any persons both in the past and present who might have in violated the rights of learners in this school instead of creating an enabling environment for them, especially taking into account the fact that these learners are disabled. The Commission for Gender Equality fully supports Ms Bogopane-Zulu and hope that through her disclosure those who have been suffering the shame of being raped will also have the courage to speak about their own experiences to enable institutions such as the Commission for Gender Equality and law enforcers to deal with issues of sexual violence accordingly.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on Monday, 8 March, let us all remember that patriarchy is still very much in power and that it uses many forms to keep women oppressed and discriminated against.
Furthermore, let us make certain that we work with government to enact a law that will punish those who traffic others for sexual use. The Commission for Gender Equality will closely monitor the developments around the sexual abuses at Filadelfia and act accordingly in the interests of all those who were abused by the people who were supposed to protect them.
Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality
2 March 2010
