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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM: SOUTH AFRICA UNITED IN FIGHTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

The Chairperson of the NCOP,
Honourable Members,

Thank you for affording me the opportunity to interact with this House, on such a critical matter. The issue of eradicating violence and abuse directed towards women and children has seized the attention of our nation for a period of time now.

I believe we should begin this debate by acknowledging and applauding the amount of work that has been done by all sectors to raise awareness with an aim to eradicate this scourge.

It is to the credit of our country that in the democratic era, this serious problem is no longer swept under the carpet, but is openly discussed and confronted, no matter how painful it is. The first step towards eradicating such a social malady is through transparency. Through awareness, the public will be able to identify and report abuses.

The national awareness of the problem is longstanding. The public has in the recent past, had to come to terms with horrific cases of child abuse, one infant having been as small as five months of age. We were revolted, many people were traumatised, but at the end, we all resolved to roll up our sleeves and do something to avoid a recurrence.

Similarly, the abuse of women is becoming recognised not as a domestic or internal matter as it used to be before 1994, but as a matter that requires family members, relatives, neighbours, communities to condemn and take action to stop. Our criminal justice system is strengthened by such assistance from the community.

This vigilance and determination to end this scourge is enhanced by various campaigns, including the campaign of 16 Days of Activism, launched in Kimberley this week. This campaign is aimed at further promoting awareness and galvanising all families, communities and indeed all sectors to action, in support of this national task.

We are also encouraged by the fact that the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) is taking root. A number of municipalities and provinces have already established MRM structures, and this would locate the campaigns to build caring society firmly within this umbrella.

The participation of families, relatives and local communities is critical in ending this plague, because we believe that such acts of violence and abuse are perpetrated not by strangers, but by people known to the victim.

I believe, Madam Chairperson, that as public representatives we have a responsibility to promote this campaign, and to work within our constituencies and communities to bring an end to these despicable acts, going beyond the 16 days of activism to every day of each year.

As we head for the tenth year of the anniversary of our democracy, we also acknowledge the excellent work that Parliament has done in passing legislation that promotes the rights, security and comfort of women and children.

The Domestic Violence Act, for instance, was passed in Parliament in 1998 and through this Act women are afforded greater protection against actual or threatened physical violence, sexual, emotional, verbal and other abuse. It also protects women against intimidation, stalking, harassment and damage to or destruction of their property or entry into their homes without their consent.

Also recognising the responsibility of fathers to maintain their children, Parliament enacted the Maintenance Act to bring about a number of significant improvements in the maintenance system, including the appointment of maintenance investigators.

On other fronts, the South African Children's Charter and various other pieces of legislation aimed at protecting children and women rights, are further supported by Chapter Nine institutions, including the Commission on Gender Equality, Public Protector and Human Rights Commission.

Also soon to be passed in Parliament is the Sexual Offences Bill, which will broaden the definition of sexual violence and further ensure that convicted perpetrators receive the maximum penalty from the state. I would like to urge Members of Parliament to monitor the implementation of these laws, to ensure that they achieve the intended objectives.

In the next decade of our freedom, we intend to continue our efforts, to make our country one that is not only protective of women and children, but that continues to work tirelessly to engender a culture of respect and dignity to women and children as part of building a caring society. We are convinced that the majority of South Africans share these ideals.

I would like to urge Honourable Members, as Parliament adjourns for the constituency period and festive season, that we individually and collectively encourage all citizens in our constituencies to participate in the 16 days campaign, encouraging awareness that extends to every day of the year.

Working together, we can make a difference.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency

27 November 2003