By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a stain on the country’s Women’s Day celebrations.
Women’s Day, which is celebrated annually in South Africa, is in honour of the country’s brave women who in August 9, 1956, marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the apartheid government’s pass laws.
“Hardly a day goes by in this country without a report of women being attacked, being violated, and being killed by men,” Ramaphosa said.
“This cannot continue. The women of South Africa have had enough of being afraid, afraid to go out after dark.
“Afraid of being attacked in their own homes, afraid of being preyed on in the classroom, afraid for the safety of their children, even from their own relatives.
“Afraid of being a woman in South Africa.
“We should not see this as a women’s problem, when it is in fact inkinga yamadoda, a men’s problem.”
Ramaphosa said three important laws that will strengthen the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), give greater protection to victims of domestic violence.
The new laws, namely the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act were signed into law earlier this year.
Addressing the National Women’s Day event held in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, “Ramaphosa said the new laws empower the police to enter premises without a warrant and, if necessary, arrest a suspect.
Under the new laws, police can also remove dangerous weapons from a suspect and complainants will be able to apply for protection orders online.
“New provisions expand the scope of the National Register of Sex Offenders, and place a legal responsibility on us all to report any sexual offences committed against vulnerable persons. There are now far stricter conditions under which a suspect may be granted bail [and] perpetrators will get harsher sentences, “Ramaphosa said.
Silence is no longer an option
The President called on every South African to play their part in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide by speaking out.
He warned that silence is no longer an option, and encouraged citizens to break the silence.
“Silence is the dark corner in which women and children are abused, beaten, raped, and killed. Silence is the dark cloud under which men allow their friends to ill-treat women, children, and members of the LGBTQIA+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual+] community as a display of their manliness.
“Silence is the cancer that eats away at women who protect their husbands, sons, partners, and boyfriends who abuse them, their children, and other women because they are financially dependent.”
Enabling women to participate in the economy
Ramaphosa said that government is working to enable women to participate in the economy.
He said gender equality will not be achieved unless women are financially secure and independent.
He highlighted that in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, government is providing temporary work opportunities to women through the Community Works Programme, the Expanded Public Works Programme and by supporting community caregivers and community health workers.
He said female entrepreneurs, especially small business owners, are supported through the province’s Rural and Township Economies Revitalisation Strategy.
“The provincial government, through the Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation programme, is also helping women access land for farming and get their produce to market. So far, it has assisted over 3500 farmers, with the majority being women and youth from rural areas like uMgungundlovu.”
Apart from the Richmond event — which will be held at the Silahla Sports Field, a number of events have been lined up across KZN and the country.
uMngeni Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas will celebrate the day with women who are in the security sector.
“His worship values the role played by these women in keeping uMngeni safe. He will pay a visit during their shift to show his appreciation,” the municipality said.
IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi, together with the party’s president Velenkosini Hlabisa, will join the IFP Women’s Brigade — which will host a rally in Germiston, Johannesburg.
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of SABC.