The IFP calls on all South Africans to make the 16 Days of Activism a year-long programme to curb violence against women and children, following the death of 15 year old Nokukhanya Zama from KwaMakhutha whose body had been found hanging from a tree.
“Fighting against women and child abuse for just 16 days is not enough. Activism needs to continue until women and children are no longer threatened. As long we continue to hear of new born babies being dumped like garbage and continue to hear of atrocious cases of rape and all forms of abuse; we must exercise the same degree of vigilance that is spurred and marketed during the annual 16 days of activism campaigns,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala.
“Activism can never be over until women feel safe in South Africa and children are free to play outdoors. We must be proactive in dealing with violence and not wait until a violent incident occurs before we react. Knee-jerk reactions to violence against women and children are an indication of a nation that is not protective of its citizens. When we are aware of social ills, we must act. That’s how we can stop this scourge,” continued Mr Gwala.
“More pressure is needed to be applied on the Department of Justice or this country would lose its battle against crime. The Department of Justice must prioritise cases that deal with abuse of women and children. As long as the justice system doesn’t get its act together, we won’t win the war against criminal activity. There is an urgent need to employ aggressive strategies to beat crime,” concluded Mr Gwala.
The IFP calls on the police to work around the clock to arrest the killers of Nokukhanya Zama and if they are found to be guilty by the court of law they must not be granted bail and a parole.
We convey our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Nokukhanya.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala, IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, 078 290 5842
For Media Enquiries:
IFP KZN Legislature Media Liaison Officer, Mr Phendulani Biyase, 073 024 5675
