The IFP Women’s Brigade (IFPWB) says it is time to stop dithering – real action is needed to protect vulnerable women and children from Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
A young woman – Amanda “Jackie” Mcobothi – took to social media, posting pictures of her bruised face and body, after she allegedly suffered abuse at the hands of her DJ boyfriend in Umlazi Township, South of Durban.
South Africa boasts copious amounts of legislation and policies that affirm the rights of all, including women and children. Despite these and other advances, however, consistent implementation and enforcement of new violence-related legislation has had uneven success. Therefore, if the government is genuinely concerned about GBV it must ensure that our legal system – which is essential for protecting women and punishing perpetrators – exacts harsh punishments. People must know that if they abuse women and children, they will be severely dealt with. We need to send a strong message that GBV will not be tolerated. We need immediate action on sexual offences and domestic violence, to address these atrocities that are fast becoming the norm in our society.
It is time to stop dithering and take real action to protect vulnerable women and children from GBV. ‘Monsters’ who abuse women and children must be weeded out of our society.
The IFPWB calls upon all South Africans to stand up and speak out against the violence. This includes men. They need to stand up and say that violence against women and children is not acceptable – under any circumstances.
We must all work together to bring an end to this scourge. We cannot continue to live our lives while we are constantly under siege and unable to enjoy the fruits of our constitutional democracy.
The IFPWB calls on all victims of GBV to come forward and report their abusers, so that perpetrators of GBV are severely punished.
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Contact:
Hon Princess Phumzile Buthelezi, MPL
IFP Women’s Brigade National Chairperson
073 216 0918