National Assembly:   20 August 2009
Connie Zikalala MP

Honourable Minister

Nompumelo Ndlovu, who was believed to be seven months pregnant, was beaten to death in broad daylight on one of the busiest streets in Pietermaritzburg's Central Business District. It is alleged that Ms Ndlovu was attacked without provocation and hit repeatedly with an iron pipe. The IFP offers its condolences to the family and friends of Ms Ndlovu and all the other women of South Africa who are senselessly murdered.

We might have celebrated Women's Day recently and we continue to honour women during the month of August, but the abuse of women continues unabated. While mainstreaming gender issues; passing the right legislation and highlighting the plight of women must continue these efforts are, however, not enough and will be undermined if we do not create a culture of respect for women. Young boys must learn from an early age that girls and women must be respected. This should be ingrained into our culture. For this to happen the men of South Africa must play a more active part and be role models for young boys. Their actions, the way that they treat women, must be exemplary. There must be a greater appreciation of women and more respect afforded to the women of South Africa.

I therefore appeal to the men of South Africa, starting with all of you sitting in this House today, to be the role models that our youth need and become active role-players in the promotion of women's rights.

I thank you.