The Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, met SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani, this morning 11 April 2013 as part of government’s commitment to mobilise different sectors of society in the fight against the scourge of violence against women and children in our country.
There is an acknowledgement that despite South Africa’s constitutional and legislative protection, violence based on gender remains unacceptably high. A concerted effort is therefore required to help eliminate this scourge.
The two noted that the current spate of gender-based violence and the brutality with which it is carried out is a matter of grave concern to all South Africans and a painful reminder of the disregard for human life and the rights of women.
Both SAFA and the department agreed in principle to work on joint programmes that will seek to raise public awareness through various SAFA platforms. “We are delighted to have SAFA as our ambassadors in our campaign. Football is a powerful communication tool that speaks all languages and reaches every South African. We applaud SAFA for being part of this initiative and urge other organisations to emulate this noble example”, said Lulu Xingwana, Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities.
Kirsten Nematandani said: “To win the war against gender-based violence requires the active involvement of all South Africans. As SAFA, we are privileged to be part of a campaign that seeks to create a society free of violence against women. We want to use soccer, as a number one sport in the country and with its mass appeal, to spread the word”.
The details of the partnership will be announced in the next two weeks in a joint press conference. Through this partnership, members of the community and the football fraternity will be mobilised to join in the national effort to create a safe and secure environment for women and children.
Enquiries:
South African Football Association
Dominic Chimhavi
Cell: 071 332 9886
Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities
Cornelius Monama
Cell: 082 578 4063
