The Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities rejects the suggestion by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille that government is not doing enough to deal with the challenge of abuse of women and children in the country.
Zille's performance on issues of gender transformation is zero. She therefore has no moral authority to pass judgement on government's efforts to protect the rights of women and children in the country.
Zille undermined the struggles of women in the country by appointing an all-male executive for Western Cape government. Upon assuming duty as the Premier, Zille also cancelled activities that had been planned to observe Women's Month (August) in the province.
Zille failed to sanction DA member of the Western Cape parliament, Johan Visser for making extremely sexist comments at the provincial legislature. In the present of Zille, Visser told the provincial legislature that: "Women are supposed to give birth and therefore cannot do the physical things males can do. They are supposed to create a home for the children and look after them."
Zille has suggested that government was not doing enough to punish those who rape, murder and assault women. This view demonstrates her ignorance about the efforts of government to address challenges of abuse which were the main focus of 16 Days of Activism Campaign on No Violence against Women and Children. These include:
* The mandatory minimum sentencing relating to cases of rape ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
* The process of establishment of sexual offences and child protection units to enhance the South African Police Service (SAPS) capacity to deal with cases of sexual assault and child abuse.
* Prioritisation of crimes against women and children in the strategy to combat crime during the current festive season.
* Efforts by the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities to expand the 16 Days of Activism Campaign to a 365 Days campaign.
The province of Western Cape has recently been much affected by horrifying incidents of abduction, rape and murder of children. To respond to this challenge, there is a need for a closer collaboration amongst relevant entities at national, provincial and local government to prevent and respond to the plight of women and children.
Cheap political point-scoring will not bring security and comfort to women and children of our country.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities
13 December 2009
