The IFP Gauteng Women’s Brigade, has in recent weeks watched with concern the spike in cases of Gender-Based Violence reported in Gauteng and the rest of the country.
South Africa has the highest rate of GBVF crimes in the world.
It is alarming to observe that despite our country’s progressive laws and plans such as the National Strategic Plan (NSP) against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and the freedom guaranteed by our democracy – women and children remain particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, murder and assault.
What is even more worrying is the fact that these crimes occur in places that are supposed to be places of safety for women and children – at schools, churches, universities, and in their homes.
We have seen cases of children, as young as 7-years, being sexually violated at school, like in the case of Cwecwe in Matatiele. The consequences of this violence being inflicted on our young people has a long and devastating negative impact on our communities. Which may result in an increase in societal problems such as the rise in teenage pregnancy, an increase in sexually transmitted infections.
As the IFP Gauteng Women’s Brigade, we are calling for leaders to act now and act decisively by showing political will to eradicate this scourge. We need a more holistic and coordinated approach in how authorities respond to these cases, and in how they protect the lives of women and children.
We are rallying behind all the victims of GBVF and their families, and we guarantee our full support to everyone that has fallen victim to this plague. This is a national crisis that is eating away at the moral fiber of our society, and we must do more to protect our vulnerable women and children.
Issued by:
Ms Tumi Ramakoaba
IFP Gauteng Women’s Brigade Publicity Secretary
0825411561
