Minister and Deputy Minister issue a strong warning against abusive men following a statement she issued yesterday about the circumstances surrounding one of the male officials in the department who is facing charges of statutory rape, the Minister and Deputy of Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa MP and Rejoice Mabudafhasi have today, Wednesday, 11 September 2013 issued a strong warning against men who are abusive and who use their privileged positions within the department of Water Affairs and in society to oppress vulnerable women.
This incident, where a Water Affairs official is accused of repeatedly raping a minor happens a few weeks after allegations of some councilor in Limpopo who solicited sex bribes for water just surfaced. The Minister says such conduct, especially by senior public officials leaves much to be desired and it has to be rooted out of society.
“We must clean our society of men who think they can act with impunity in abuse of young girls and women simply because they have the erroneous view that they are untouchable,” she said. She added that women need to stand up and report such cases because the law protects them and anyone who attempts to victimise the whistle blowers will face the full might of the law.
“We have just celebrated women’s month and the achievements that our country has scored in matters of gender and women emancipation, we can’t be distracted by pretenders who continue to abuse our young girls and women and yet celebrate and dance with us during these national calendar activities.”
The Minister reiterated that the department would allow due process of law to take place in the case of the accused official but vowed that no stone will be left unturned in the process.
“We have a duty as women and political representatives to protect the rights and freedoms of those who are vulnerable and being abused by uncaring and brutal elements in our society,” she added. In conclusion, she praised the efforts of those men in society who respect women and who have actively taken part in various organisations to safeguard the rights and integrity of women and a safer future for young girls.
