The Thuthuzela Care Centres operated by the National Prosecuting Authority are aimed at improving the care and treatment of rape victims at all points in our criminal justice system. In the Budget tabled recently by the Minister of Finance, provision was made for increasing these Thuthuzela Care Centres from 35, currently, to 55 by 2015/16.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has also announced the reintroduction of Sexual Offences Courts. It's envisaged that 58 of these courts will be fully functional during the first six months of the new financial year. The criminal justice system, no matter how effective we make it, can only be a part of the solution. Eliminating sexual and gender- based violence is inextricably linked to the fundamental transformation of our society from one characterised by patriarchal attitudes and power relations to a truly nonsexist society envisaged by our Constitution. This will require a collective effort by all of us, including in the home, where many of those attitudes originate.
In this regard, the way in which the hon Terblanche has portrayed this matter as an issue of government and government alone, I think is a distortion and it does a grave and serious disservice to a very serious matter. [Interjections.]
In conclusion, I wish to raise the question of the role of national days in the promotion of social cohesion and national unity. I came across the following piece about Human Rights Day in an online magazine focusing on Cape Town:
Officially declared a public holiday in 1994, Human Rights Day, 21 March, serves both as a reminder of the happenings of the Sharpeville massacre as well as a celebration of Mzansi's unique foundation, which gives all citizens equal rights.
So far so good. However, it continues and says:
This year, the national day off falls on a Thursday - all the more reason to put in a day's leave on Friday - and what better way to celebrate this coveted long-weekend interlude than with a range of activities and things to do in Cape Town. Thus, eat, drink, be merry and celebrate Human Rights Day in Cape Town and surrounds with a handful of off-the-hook and downright delicious events in the Mother City. There's a heap of highlights on offer, from live music shows to free parties, decadent dinners to thought-provoking plays, and so much more.
It then gives a list of top 10 suggestions for things to do on Human Rights Day, one of which is:
Celebrate Human Rights Day in Cape Town on the seaside terrace of the [XXX] Hotel at the [XXX] Waterfront. The ocean-front eatery is serving up a range of cocktails available at a 30% discount and live entertainment to commemorate this historic day. Chill out on the outdoor terrace and soak up the sun on the day.