Riyaz Patel
The violence against women and children is a “great shame” and goes against “our African values and everything we stand for as a people,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said launching the ’16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children’ in Limpopo Monday.
The President, after paying homage to victims of the GBV scourge, unpacked government’s R1.6 billion Emergency Action Plan to tackle gender-based violence.
“It focuses on improving access to justice for survivors, prevention campaigns to change attitudes and behaviour, measures to strengthen the criminal justice system, and the creation of economic opportunities for women who are vulnerable to abuse.”
“As I stand before you, I invoke the memories of the many women and girls in this province and throughout the country who have suffered from the brutality of men,” Ramaphosa said.
The president also visited a Victim Support Centre at the Witpoort Police Station in Lephalale, as part of the launch.
He said the SAPS has allocated 312 new recruits currently undergoing basic training to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units, while nearly 4,500 SAPS members have received training on the provision of survivor-centered services.
Ramaphosa said government employees who work with children and mentally disabled persons are being vetted against the National Register of Sex Offenders.
He added that over 1,200 officials have so far been vetted, including prosecutors and members of the SAPS.
“To ensure that those found guilty of gender-based violence receive punishment proportionate to the seriousness of their crimes, we are in the process of reforming existing laws around bail and sentencing.”
President Ramaphosa called on men “to join the movement to break the cycle of violence.
“It is you who must be positive role models to your sons, and mentor and guide them in their journey to adulthood. Play your part in raising awareness around the rights of women to your colleagues and your friends.”
He said the root of gender-based violence are “sexist and patriarchal attitudes.”
“The national campaign that we are launching here today is aimed at raising awareness around the rights of women and girls, but also at changing the attitudes of men and boys. “
Ramaphosa said the ’16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children’ campaign will complement a wider year-round education, awareness and prevention campaign that government will roll out in partnership with civil society.
