Hon Deputy Speaker, Ministers, members and also our special guests in the gallery, Minister, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment to office. I trust that our relationship will be a cordial one and that we will work together in the interests of women, children and persons with disabilities.
I'm convinced that we can put some action to the platitudes that have been uttered in the past year of inaction. Apart from expressing sympathy, we need to see action and change. The Ministry needs real leadership to promote the interests of women, who are still denied the rights that they are guaranteed by our Constitution and the many protocols that have been signed. We will hold the Ministry accountable for implementing a human rights culture, for gender rights are human rights.
A lot of women have improved in many ways but, 16 years into democracy, why do we still need the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children? While women rightly celebrate their new freedom, they do not feel liberated or empowered in every sphere of life. In their homes, as wives and daughters, domestic violence against women is far too common. In their neighbourhoods they are vulnerable to rape and attack, and when they turn to the police or to the courts for protection, their concerns are often shrugged off. Many victims of crime point out that they are victimised twice: first by the criminals and then by the criminal justice system.
The much acclaimed Victim's Charter was meant to take care of the needs of all victims, but government is failing to ensure that the rights are upheld. Women do not always have access to the special Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units or victim support rooms.
There is a desperate need for psychologists and social workers at police stations, at courts and in communities to deal with the scourge of rape and abuse of women, children and babies. Not only are the victims traumatised, but also the families who witnessed the atrocities, as well as the police, doctors and nurses who have to deal with the indescribable scenes they have to witness. At eleven o'clock last night I heard of a three-month-old child that had been victimised and abused in the most horrendous way. I quote Colleen Lowe Morna of Gender Links, who said:
... we (need) to do much more to reach out to men who are imprisoned by the emotions that society, for whatever reason, has never allowed them to process.
Many of our families are dysfunctional and counsellors are needed. This cannot be left to the NGOs alone, who are already suffering from lack of funding. Government has to take financial responsibility for providing the funds to deal with the problems. So I appeal for more gender-sensitive budgeting.
The lack of maintenance payments is often a trigger for family violence. Why should women have to go to court to beg that fathers pay maintenance for their children? The courts are often grossly understaffed, and justice is not served.
I challenge all hon Ministers and members to behave with honesty, to set the example, to pay up and to encourage others to take responsibility for the children that they fathered. In a modern constitution there is no place for patriarchal attitudes that regard women as mere objects to be used at the pleasure of men.
Probably the single most important marker of a country's progress is how it treats its women. If its women have the same education as its men, and are given the same opportunities and status, the country will prosper and advance, but we need to break down the patriarchal attitudes for this to happen.
Finding a way to preserve traditional wisdom while promoting human rights is the challenge of our age.
Those are the words of Helen Zille.
I agree. Don't look away; act against violence! These 16 days serve as an important reminder of how far we still have to go. Let us put words to action. Let us not have T-shirts, let us not have caps, let us have ongoing action. Feasting is not enough; we need to work hard. Thank you. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, may I begin by congratulating the Minister hon Lulu Xingwana on her appointment as Minister in the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities. We wish her luck and success in her work. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, once again South Africans and the international community will campaign for 16 days, calling for the elimination of all forms of violence against women.
Violence against women takes many forms: sexual assault, wife beating, prostitution, trafficking, sexual violence, sexual harassment and date rape. Violence against women also takes many other forms such as psychological, emotional and financial abuse, and also intimidation. All are unacceptable violations of human rights. Together they form a huge obstacle to gender equality and genuine human progress.
In South Africa, the sexual violation of children, women in general, women living with HIV/Aids, and lesbians is endemic. This heinous crime does not end there but, in some instances, leads to murder. The latest case is that of the murder of the British bride on honeymoon in South Africa. It's sad. It is very sad.
Women in South Africa are not safe anywhere. Recently, a doctor was gang- raped at her workplace and a schoolgirl was drugged and raped by school pupils. The sad part about the latter incident is that the alleged perpetrators were set free by the police because of questions from her peers about whether it was rape or not, as she was drunk. The question is: How she could not be drunk when she was drugged?
Women are scared to report sexual violence because they will be insulted and victimised in public. Women's rights are under threat and something needs to be done urgently.
Cope believes women have a right to report sexual violence and harassment without fear, no matter who the perpetrator is. It is also critical that women are able to speak out and share their ideas in order to challenge attitudes and beliefs that sustain violence against women.
Cope also calls for action to defend women's rights to freedom of expression and information which are the basic building blocks for women to be able to come together, organise for change, inform public debate, define culture, build safe spaces and end violence against women.
Cope invites all to take action to defend women's rights and the gains that we have made so far. I thank you. [Applause.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, the IFP strongly aligns itself with the objectives of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The reason we do this is primarily because, in spite of the wonderful strides we have made as a country in moving away from the horrors of this country's apartheid past, and in spite of the strides we have made in embracing a culture of human rights and democracy, we note with regret that women and our children are still at the receiving end of violence, meted out to them by those who should be protecting them.
Even though this year is the 10th anniversary of this campaign, rampant and unforgivable violence against women and children is indeed a cause for us to hang our heads in shame. We recognise that the objectives of this campaign should not be confined to only 16 days, but should be pursued every day until the battle is won.
The campaign should be viewed as a means of pricking the consciences of our people so that they take up the fight to defeat this ugly phenomenon. We call on all the men and women of our country to join hands in defeating this demon which continues to corrode and blight the very soul of our nation. I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, the campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a very important period on our events calendar. It proves that we are united with the rest of the world.
Geweld teen vroue en kinders moet tot 'n einde kom. Die OD wil beklemtoon dat di soort geweld in werklikheid 'n skending van menseregte is. Die demonstrasie ter ondersteuning van vroue in die wreld is nie genoeg nie, maar ongelukkig is dit die enigste tyd van die jaar wat aan di saak gewy word. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Violence against women and children has to end. The ID would like to emphasise that this kind of violence is in fact a violation of human rights. The demonstration in support of women the world over is not enough, but unfortunately this is the only time of the year dedicated to this cause.]
Violence against women is not only common but often fatal. It is an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and human rights violation. It is not a South African problem or shortcoming; it is, in fact, a global problem.
Die uitskakeling van alle vorme van geweld teen vroue en kinders moet nie 'n jaarlikse demonstrasie wees nie; dit behoort 'n prioriteit van hierdie regering te wees, omdat 'n groot aantal vroue in die Suid-Afrikaanse nasionale Parlement verteenwoordig word. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[The elimination of all forms of violence against women and children should not be an annual campaign; it ought to be a priority for this government, because a large number of women are represented in the national Parliament of South Africa.]
The ID strongly believes that a strategic way to prevent violence is to introduce and enforce laws that protect women. In doing so, there must be no room for tolerance of acts of violence against women and children. I thank you. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, the UDM calls on the nation to mobilise in support of this worthy campaign. In my brief time I would like to make two points. Firstly, the UDM expresses its outrage and dismay at the recent brutal killing of a British woman on honeymoon in South Africa. Her death, like the recent Jules High School gang rape incident, emphasises the brutality and violence that women and children face in this country. The men who commit these atrocities must be found and punished. Every such incident must be dealt with swiftly and unequivocally. Enough is enough!
Secondly, this is another year in which this campaign will be conducted without the late hon Cheryl Gillwald at the helm. We would like to make use of this opportunity to salute this activist whose energy and dedication was a driving force behind the establishment and growth of the campaign. We hope that the campaign will continue to grow from strength to strength and serve as a monument for her and many others who are fighting against gender violence. I thank you. [Applause.]
Agb Adjunkspeaker, dit is met afgryse en skok dat 'n mens in die media moet lees van skoolkinders en skoolmeisies wat verkrag word, en die dade dan gerieflikheidshalwe op video opgeneem word en verkoop word op die internet.
Dit is met afgryse en skok dat 'n mens moet lees van 'n klein baba, Marzaan Kruger, wat wreed deur haar aanvaller sodanig vermik is dat sy breinskade opgedoen het. Dis 'n kind wat nog nie eens kan praat nie; 'n kind wat nie in 'n hofsaak getuienis kan lewer nie. Ons s die gemeenskap het siek geword. Die vraag is, wat doen ons as ouers om die voorbeeld te stel en ons kinders reg op te voed? Die standpunt van die VF Plus is duidelik. Ons gemeenskap het so siek geword dat, as dit by kinderverkragters en moordenaars kom, ons die terugbring van die doodstraf bepleit, want dit sl werk om ons gemeenskap weer reg te kry. Ek dank u. (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mr P J GROENEWALD: Hon Deputy Speaker, it is with shock and horror that one must read in the media of schoolchildren and schoolgirls who are raped and that the rapes are then video-taped and sold on the internet.
It is with shock and horror that one must read of a little baby, Marzaan Kruger, who had been maimed so brutally by her attacker that she was left brain-damaged. This is a child who was too young even to speak; a child who cannot give evidence at a trial.
We are saying that the community has become ill. The question is: What are we as parents doing to set an example and to give our children the correct education? The argument of the Freedom Front Plus is very clear. Our community has become so ill that if it comes to the rapists and murderers of children, we are pleading for the reinstitution of the death penalty, because that is the only way to cure our community. I thank you.]
Deputy Speaker, the debate on 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children today takes place under the shadow of the tragic killing of a newlywed British tourist who was on honeymoon with her husband. The ACDP is concerned that this criminal act may have a negative impact on the number of tourists that we are expecting in our country this year.
We believe that more should be done to stop the unabating sexual assaults and violence against women and children in our country. We also believe that we must move away from 16 days of activism to 365 days of activism against all forms of violence in our country. As the ACDP has stated in the past, it is time for government to move beyond trying to create awareness; it needs to start solving the problem.
If government wants to see results in their fight against violence against women and children, we recommend that the following should also be done. Firstly, they must ensure that minimum sentencing legislation for convicted abusers is applied. Secondly, they must provide courts and personnel to deal speedily with these issues. Lastly, they must provide better training for police, and better forensic services and victim care centres. I thank you. [Applause.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, women and children are subjected daily to traumatisation and abuse. The devastating rise of criminal activity is becoming a negative force, destructive to building a caring and peaceful society. Women are, more importantly, involved every day of their lives. They have become victims of barbaric behaviour.
I agree with you, hon Minister, that all the incidents that have been mentioned, including the two rape incidents of the elderly in Chatsworth, are indeed heartbreaking. The perpetrators must face the strong arm of the law. It is incumbent upon all of us, hon members of this House, to ensure the safety, security and protection that are truly desired by all.
The MF says: "Creative communities are progressive communities." We call on all to fight and put an end to physical, social and mental abuse endured by all women and children. The campaign must be intensified throughout the year. I thank you. [Applause]
Deputy Speaker, the past few weeks have witnessed a rise in the number of incidents of the violation of the rights of children and women. We were shocked by reports of the alleged gang rape of a schoolgirl. Even more shocking were reports that the incident had been videotaped and that her teachers had laughed at her, saying that she deserved it. There were many other reports, including that of the rape of a Bloemfontein doctor.
We are worried that society may gradually get used to such reports and accept the abuse and rape of women as part and parcel of everyday life. That is why Azapo supports the launch of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, as it will go some way towards resensitising South Africans. Our message to men and young boys is: Real men do not abuse; they protect and love women. Thank you. [Applause.]
Sekela-somlomo, mandithabathe eli thuba ndivuyisane noNkosazana Xingwana ngokunikwa lo msebenzi umkhulu kangaka wokukhokela eli sebe. Sikho sonke, siza kukuxhasa. [Deputy Speaker, let me take this opportunity to congratulate Ms Xingwana for being given this important task of being the Minister of this department. We are all here and we will support you.]
Hon Deputy Speaker and hon members, we are urged this afternoon, as we have been urged for the past 11 years, not to look away, but to act against abuse. For most of the past few weeks the news headlines that have captured the attention of the entire nation have revolved around unspeakable acts of violence against not only women, but also children. The acts of rape committed against helpless old women, young women whose lives are negatively impacted upon, and vulnerable children who are placed under the care of their relatives, unfortunately seem to be the order of the day in our communities.
Hon members do not need to be reminded of the plight of the 12 women who fell victim to a serial rapist in Johannesburg, the two women who were raped in a temple in Chatsworth, Durban, and the girl child who was raped by her grandfather in Balfour, an incident of horror.
What is clearly intolerable is the lack of action by school authorities and teachers who have been made aware of rape, violence and intimidation involving young men and schoolgirls, but have done nothing to stop these evil deeds. We call on our government, civil society and the private sector to take harsh action against the school authorities and teachers who are implicated in these cases, so that we can send a strong, clear message that we shall not tolerate any form of violence and abuse against anyone, especially women and children, who are the most vulnerable members of our society.
A few lessons can be learned from the events of these past few days. Every day we are faced with some form of sexual and physical violence, victimisation, abuse and disrespect directed at women and children, which has the impact of wearing them down. The question we have to ask ourselves is whether or not we as individuals are to blame for perpetrating many of these actions, and how we offer support to those amongst us who are suffering. Related to that, we should be asking ourselves how far we go in celebrating successes achieved by women, especially girl children, as well as how we encourage each other and rally around those amongst us who are striving to achieve something better.
Today, as we prepare ourselves to respond to the call made by the Minister, hon Xingwana, we have to congratulate members of the SA Police Service on the sterling work done by them in apprehending a suspected serial rapist outside Durban on Friday. The SA Police Service were able to achieve this through the assistance of the members of the public who provided information on the alleged serial rapist. The participation of community members can be made possible by, for example, creating neighbourhood watches in all communities.
When putting emphasis on the theme for this year's campaign - which is, "Don't look away; act against abuse!" - all of us are called upon not to watch from the sidelines and do nothing, but to speak out and take a stand. When we hear screams and shouts of abuse around us, we must make it our business to act.
There are many organisations and activists who are selflessly involved in mobilising men to fight violence against women and children. In many instances these men and women are working hard, away from the limelight and with inadequate resources. I will mention only a few of them today, but there is no shortage of information about these organisations and the work that they do.
The Brothers for Life with their slogan "Yenza Kahle" [Do the right thing] send their message to us on television all the time. Sonke Gender Justice who say, "One Man Can" and can be seen during episodes of the soapie Generations on television, is another such organisation. There is also Hearts of Men, whose project is aimed at lifting men out of unemployment and poverty hands-on, and which teaches young men and fathers not to perpetrate violence against women. Last but not least there is the Movement for Good whose rallying philosophy is, "It starts with you."
The role of Parliament and its members, in particular the role and responsibility of male parliamentarians, is of outmost importance in upholding and taking forward the seeds that have been sown by these organisations. Of equal importance are the role and responsibilities of female parliamentarians in speaking out about the abuse of women and children in all spheres of our lives and interactions. The responsibility that must be taken up by all Members of Parliament is also to find ways of strengthening support to men's groups in order to sustain the work that they do.
The activities supporting the 16 Days campaign have been communicated to you today. It is incumbent upon each of us to ensure that we do not remain on the sidelines; that we participate, and even take the lead, in ensuring that the abuse of women and children is completely eradicated during our lifetime. It is our collective responsibility to send out the message that men are capable of loving passionately, respectfully and with sensitivity; that women wish to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and are prepared to build trust between themselves and their partners.
We must commend our government for stepping up and sustaining the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children as an annual campaign. The campaign should not end in December every year, but we should be vigilant and guard against all forms of abuse throughout the year.
We can achieve a lot if we can also direct our attention to the ratification of the Southern African Development Community, SADC, protocol on gender development. South Africa has to ensure that efforts by all communities are supported by the ratification of the protocol without further delay.
In the name of collective action, together we can do more to eradicate the scourge of violence and abuse against women. Enkosi. [Thank you.] [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Hon members, that concludes the party responses to the Minister's statement. We move on to the next item. Permission has been granted to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans to make a statement on the final report of the Interim National Defence Force Service Commission. I am advised that parties have been made aware of this and will have an opportunity to respond to the statement. Before I call on the Minister, hon members, I want to acknowledge the presence here in the gallery of the Interim National Defence Force Service Commission, led by Judge Bosielo. You are welcome as we receive you here. [Applause.]