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Madame Speaker,
Honourable Members.

I must from the onset, Madam Speaker, say that I have been moved by the manner in which South Africans, regardless of gender, have spoken out and expressed outrage at the reprehensible abuse of nine month-old baby Tshepang and other children.

The resounding expression of revulsion by this nation is a good sign as it shows that we are united in saying that we shall not tolerate such barbaric behaviour.

There is clearly consensus that something is seriously wrong if grandfathers, fathers, brothers and uncles sexually molest their own flesh and blood. The rape of a nine month-old baby defies description in any language, and indeed displays moral depravity of the highest order.

There is also something seriously amiss when people forget the very philosophy that has been the anchor of our communities for decades, the principle of "Any Child is My Child" and when a child who goes to play at a neighbour's house is found murdered or raped.

As Government, we have done what we should. The laws to fight this scourge exist and are being implemented, as I said in this House last week during Question Time.

This Government has also prioritised the rights of women and children, as can be seen through the existence of the Office on the Rights of the Child, the Office on the Status of Women and the Office on the Status of the Disabled. These programmes, located in The Presidency under the Minister in the Presidency, are succeeding in their mandate of actively promoting the rights of women, children and the disabled, as the most vulnerable sectors of our community.

It is because of the recognition of the importance of these sectors that they are located in the Presidency, and that there is a Minister dedicated to this crucial responsibility, and to ensuring that all government programmes are aligned such that they actively promote the advancement and protection of the rights of these sectors.

However, Government alone cannot eradicate this scourge, which resides within our communities. Each and every one of us has a role to play.

As we all know, the apartheid history of this country left behind a legacy of a serious breakdown of the moral infrastructure of our society. Apartheid brutalised all - its perpetrators, victims as well as its beneficiaries. Through the migrant labour system and homelands, apartheid sowed the seeds for the breakdown of the institution of the family.

The breakdown of the moral fibre manifests itself in many ways and in all sectors of our society, the rich and poor, urban and rural, black and white, young and old.

The molestation of children and infants is a symptom of this degeneration.

Among the manifestations of moral degeneration are the following:

* Breakdown of parental control of children in some families, and the condoning of deviant behaviour;
* A lack of respect for authority - the brazen breaking of the law, no respect for rules and regulations;
* Crime and corruption;
* Abuse of alcohol and drugs;
* Abuse of women and children; and
* Lack of respect for the next person and loss of respect for the sanctity of human life.

Clearly, we need to do something in our respective areas of influence to restore morality and rebuild a protective environment for the most vulnerable in our country.

In this vein, Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate a call I made to men in our country recently. Let us as men become positive role models who are symbols of love, empathy and caring, and eradicate the stereotype that is developing that men are abusers of the most vulnerable in our society.

Historically, men were known to protect their loved ones and they felt safe in their company. These days, some men are clearly becoming "izinswelaboya". This must change.

In line with the theme of HIV/AIDS campaigns last year and this year, let me repeat that: "Men Can Make a Difference". Let us make this difference by leading campaigns on eradicating violence of any form against women and children.

Most importantly, we need to continue addressing the question of the economic and social vulnerability of women and girls in our society, as this opens them up to abuse.

Many women are economically dependent on men, and this makes them reluctant to report abuse as this may lead to a loss of financial support.

Therefore, we need to strengthen social support structures in our communities, which make it possible for women in such situations to report abuse and leave abusive relationships, in order to protect their children and themselves. Women must have somewhere to run to.

I cannot finish my address, Madam Speaker, without commending the hardworking officials in our criminal justice system who are diligently implementing laws aimed at ridding our society of sick individuals who molest women and children.

Allow me also to congratulate communities, organisations and individuals who are already blowing the whistle on child abusers. The South African Democratic Teachers Union, for example, deserves mention for exposing teachers, some of them principals and deputy principals, who abuse children entrusted to their care during the day.

The fact that child abusers are facing the law, and that we are today debating this matter which has become public, shows that our communities are vigilant, and that needs to be encouraged.

Once again, let me repeat my call for all of us to revive in our communities, the principle of: "Any Child is My Child."

If we hear children crying, children left alone and uncared for, or children being abused in any way, let us speak out and report the matter to the police.

Let us recognise that children have rights which should be respected by all. No one will be allowed to get away with abusing children, regardless of their position in society.

It should become crystal-clear to any potential child abuser or would-be rapist, that this Government is determined to make sure that they face the full might of the law.

We are not going to sit back and watch them destroy our future, our children.

When Parliament rises on Friday, we as members of this House should use the opportunity to spread the message of moral renewal in our constituencies, and ensure that we remove hiding places for criminals who prey on children.

Madame Speaker, as part of the national Moral Regeneration Movement that we are spearheading, I will be hosting a Summit early in the new year which will include representatives of various sectors, such as political representatives, religious sector, community leaders, traditional leaders, church, women, youth, the disabled, business, labour and traditional healers.

This great Imbizo will enable us as South Africans to take stock of the moral barometer of our country, and identify the critical factors that are affecting the moral health of this nation. The objective is to establish abroad national coalition across all sections of society.

The Imbizo will chart the way forward for a mass based moral regeneration campaign, which will ensure that eventually, the lines between right and wrong no longer become blurred.

If we work together, we can defeat the monster and make homes and streets safe for our children.

I thank you.

Contact: Lakela Kaunda at 082 782 2575/(012) 337 5100

Issued by: The Presidency, 14 November 2001