Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Thembi Siweya will visit the Nebo Magistrate court, a dedicated sexual offence court to assess the impact of COVID-19 on its operations. The outreach will include engagement with stakeholders on how society should support efforts to deal with the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.
Dedicated sexual offences court are a critical intervention in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide as they are specifically designed to reduce secondary victimization and create a conducive space for survivors to share their testimonies. President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted a summit on gender-based violence and femicide in 2018 which culminated in a signed declaration that outlines key required interventions as well as a National Strategic Plan on gender based violence and femicide.
Among these interventions is the need to strengthen the criminal justice system through the review of relevant pieces of legislation, appointment of competent and well-trained staff members and establishment of dedicated sexual offences courts. Government, led by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, has reportedly established 92 dedicated sexual offences courts to improve conviction rates and provide comprehensive and appropriate support services for survivors of sexual offences.
The Deputy Minister’s site visit – which is also linked to her oversight role – will offer an opportunity to get first-hand insight on the realisation of this deliverable. In addition to this, attention will also be dedicated to compliance with Covid-19 regulations by court officials.
All media is invited to join the engagement as follows:
Date: 31 July 2020
Time: 9h00- 11h00
Venue: Nebo Magistrates Court, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
For confirmations, please contact:
Fikile Mahlophe
Cell: 066 028 2501
E-mail: Fikile@dpme.gov.za.
For any enquiries, please contact:
Lawrence Ngoveni
Cell: 082 824 3060
E-mail: Lawrence.ngoveni@dpme.gov.za.
