The Standing Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities rebuke an immoral behaviour incident by a group of men at the Noord Taxi Rank

The Standing Committee on Gender, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, joins other formations in condemning the behaviour of taxi operators who chased after and groped girls wearing miniskirts at the Noord Street taxi rank. The committee supports all Human Rights Organisations and Committees in their plea to discourage this immoral behaviour, as it has been viewed to be indecent and urges that it be speedily dealt with.

The Committee has strong views on Gender and Youth issues as it cannot tolerate such incidents recurring within a span of four years. These disturbing scenes of grown men chasing girls and groping them just because they are wearing miniskirts is un -African and should not be encouraged.

The Committee further appeals to Taxi Rank Managers to take serious action against taxi drivers who were part of this shameful and revolting behaviour, as it has negative impact on the freedom and the hard earned democracy which we as a nation should be celebrating.

A dress code should not define what a person is worth or how s/he should be treated in the community. These young women experienced the most traumatic episode which might remain in their minds for the rest of their lives. There is however no excuse for what happened, hence; the Committee hereby calls for organisations and civil societies including individuals, to discourage such acts from occurring; at home and in public areas as it has happened at Noord Taxi rank for the second time.

The ANC Women’s League and COSATU has played a tremendous role protesting against this violent behaviour by some men who believe that a dress code is their concern. As the Committee that focuses on issues of Gender etc. it is a mandate of a Committee to ensure that an oversight role is exercised by first; call upon all organisations to participate in this protest as laid out by ANC Women’s League and COSATU.

Secondly; has arranged a meeting with Gauteng Department of Community Safety in order to receive progress in apprehending the perpetrators upon viewing the CCTV footage.

Furthermore; Metro Police is highly commended for their job as they came into the rescue of these young victims, who were affected by this hassling act. The Committee would like to conclusively discourage groups and organisations who believe that; women should dress in a particular way so that they would be immune to gender abuse. Therefore; no one qualifies to be abused, in spite of their age, gender and appearance.

For more enquiries or interview requests on this issue, please contact:
Khazi Sithole
Tel: 011 498 5845
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E-mail: KSithole@gpl.gov.za