26 November 2007
As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, we
want to reaffirm our position on condemning all forms of violence against the
women and children of South Africa. Women should be allowed to enjoy various
freedom enshrined in the constitution of South Africa. Looking at patterns,
forms and prevalence of abuse against women and children, the Commission on
Gender Equality (CGE) concludes that our signposts are deeply troubling.
In 2007, alone, we have seen a number of cases of violence and abuse, under
the guise of cultural, traditional and religious beliefs. We note, amongst many
other the following incidents which have led to the loss of lives of women:
* the killing of iNkosi Nowanisi Ngubenani in Coffee Bay, Amathole District
in the Eastern Cape,
* the killing of four women because of allegations of witchcraft in Lusikisiki,
Eastern Cape,
* the killing of black lesbians in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng,
* the killing and dumping of bodies of 10 women in Shayamoya cane fields in
Umzinto KwaZulu-Natal.
We also note with concern incidents of abuse of women and the violation of
their rights to selfhood. In particular, the Commission on Gender Equality is
deeply troubled by the reports of a woman who was physically abused by an HIV
and AIDS Commission on Gender Equality.
Counsellor in KwaZulu-Natal
The woman went to the office seeking information on HIV and AIDS and it is
alleged that the counsellor took her to a room where he claimed he will 'teach
her how to use a condom' and proceeded to expose his private parts and put on a
condom. The woman, who fled from the offices, has reported the matter to the
police and the Commission on Gender Equality is assisting her. Another case, of
violation of rights to selfhood, is the well-known case of Zandile Mpanza of
the T-Section in Umlazi Township in KwaZulu Natal. Her crime, wearing pants,
which have been declared unacceptable by the observers of the Shembe faith. The
Commission on Gender Equality respects the right to cultural, religious and
spiritual freedoms. However, taking its guidance from the Bill of Rights in the
Constitution, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
Against Women, the Beijing Platform of Action and other international and
regional Conventions, we believe the right to dignity must be respected by
all.
The Commission on Gender Equality has been following and monitoring these
and many other cases. We call on all arms of government, the judiciary,
community structures to join us in the fight against all forms of abuse against
women and children. As part of our monitoring programme, the CGE is conducting
a monitoring survey with South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department
of Justice, due to the noted increase in sexual offences. The organisation is
also monitoring the coverage of gender-based violence by all forms of media
during the sixteen days of activism.
Events:
In addition to the national events hosted by government departments, faith
based organisations, business and non-governmental organisations, the CGE has
developed a systematic calendar of activities that cover many of these issues
in many provinces. These events provide an opportunity for communities and
individuals to become involved in the campaign.
Please contact our provincial offices at the following numbers for the
calendar of events:
Gauteng Office
Tel: 012 362 6971
Free State Office
Tel: 051 430 9348
Eastern Cape Office
Tel: 043 722 3489
Limpopo Office
Tel: 015 291 3070
North West Office
Tel: 018 381 1505
KwaZulu-Natal
Tel: 031 305 2105
Western Cape province
Tel: 021 426 4080/3
E-mail: info@cge.org.za
Website: www.cge.org.za
Media inquiries:
Malebo Boikanyo
Tel: 011 403 7182
Fax: 011 403 7188
Issued by: Commission on Gender Equality
26 November 2007
Source: Commission on Gender Equality (http://www.cge.org.za)
