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8 August 2008

Good morning

Acting Judge President, Traverso
Members of the Judiciary
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS)
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
The Du Noon elderly choir
Scholars and Ms Bandi Biko, Sister of Steve Biko

I am always happy to speak to young people, so I was really delighted when I heard that there would be over a hundred scholars here.

Coupled with the senior citizens present, and all the non-governmental organisations (NGO) and community-based organisations here, I am pleased that we are all talking together and taking an interest in the position of women in society.

For me that covers the spectrum from girl-child to grandmother. And by grandmother I do not mean in the strict genealogical sense, but I mean all older women who nurture the next generation.

As, I hope, do women in the middle phase of life, like myself. I think we have all heard the saying "It takes a village to raise a child." In that way, I do believe that every child is our child and that the children of my sister, are my children. Which is why I have some very beautiful little people in my life who balance me and keep me grounded.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says they are today celebrating womanhood. And I am happy to be a part of that and remind us all that women struck one of the most compelling blows for the dompass.

Women's hands shape the future, rock the cradle, hold the baby, till the soil, cook the food, and sew garments and so on. Not that men do not, but overwhelmingly women do.

I want to congratulate the NPA on their commitment to the protection of the fundamental rights of vulnerable groups, like women and children. Being sympathetic to the plight of the vulnerable, and willing to act to make that plight less arduous and life threatening, does not make us soft. It is what makes us women oops, I mean human.

I also want to note that more women are entering the judiciary and related fields, and want to encourage these women and the women here working hard to uplift not just women but entire communities, to keep doing so and encourage the men who are involved and who support these women, to do the same.

The National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) team, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Correctional Services, Life Line, the Gender Advocacy Project, are among the groups here today and they are all working tirelessly to provide a better life for all who live in this province, and to make it a safer and friendlier place for the greater community.

The older generation, you have sacrificed and suffered and perhaps because of this your input on society and the wisdom you are able to pass along to the younger generation, cannot and must not be ignored.

The scholars here today, boys do not forget, you are only physically stronger than a girl this is a biological anomaly, but mentally and academically you are equals.

Girls, do not sell yourselves short, no means no, no matter the subject or the person asking the question. You are too precious to be part of hurting yourself or of losing yourself.

I wish you all the best for 2008, but for right now, I hope you enjoy the lunch and the entertainment, which promises to be of top quality.

I thank you.

Enquiries:
An Wentzel
Cell: 072 336 6385
Tel: 021 483 2536

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
8 August 2008