The current spate of rape and abuse cases in our country is a matter of grave concern and a painful reminder of the disregard for human life and human dignity.
We are confident that the law-enforcement agencies will do everything in their power to ensure that victims of these crimes get justice. Those found guilty of these heinous crimes must face the full wrath of our criminal justice system. We are on record as calling on our courts to impose the harshest possible punishment against those found guilty of crimes against women and children. We believe that those who derive pleasure of abusing women and children must rot in jail.
We call on all our people to join our campaign to eliminate gender-based violence in our society. We must confront crimes against women with every available ammunition at our disposal to ensure that those who harm the most vulnerable in society have no place to hide. Violence against women cannot be tolerated in our free and democratic society. It is a gross violation of the Constitutional rights of women.
We have to acknowledge the fact that gender-based violence robs women of the opportunity to become productive citizens of the country. It denies them their constitutional rights and condemns them to a life of perpetual fear. They are therefore prevented from enjoying the fruits of our freedom and democracy. This means that the task of making ours a truly non-sexist society is undermined.
We are also concerned at the growing reports of women who continue to die at the hands of their partners and children being killed or abused by people who were supposed to protect and love them. Many of these cases point to a deterioration of the moral fibre of our society. We urge members of our communities to join hands with government in order to help defeat the scourge of child and women abuse.
As the government and people of South Africa, we have taken the war against gender-based violence to a higher level. On 10 December, government launched the National Council Against Gender-Based Violence. Led by the Deputy President, we are confident that the work of the Council will lead to a significant reduction in the incidents of violence against women and children.
The Council is a multi-sectoral structure capable of providing authoritative leadership as we collectively confront violence against women and children. The seriousness with which government views gender-based violence and its impact on individuals, communities and society has been the driving force behind the establishment of the National Council Against Gender-based Violence.
We urge all South Africans to join this fight. When we know that someone is being abused in our own home or in our neighbour’s house, we have a duty to report it.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Tel: 012 359 0208
Cell: 082 578 4063
