Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, good strides have been made to deal with high levels of inequality in South Africa. The South African Constitution advances for equality in all respects, including on issues relating to gender equality. Despite our progressive Constitution, we live in a country where gender-based violence has become an everyday occurrence.
Everyday we read and hear about stories of how men rape women and children, how they ill-treat and physically abuse their partners. We hear of conduct of mainly men who commit despicable crimes against women and children, which show disdain for our personal and constitutional values.
As I speak right now, as a party, we are horrified by the story of a pregnant 16-year-old girl, Simphiwe Mmola, a Grade 10 pupil from Mankweng village in Limpopo, who was allegedly stabbed to death by her jealous 26- year-old boyfriend. Her story and many other similar stories, illustrate how sick a society we have become, and the brutality of the violence our women and children face on a daily basis.
While the law enforcement agencies have, to some extent, play their part in dealing with this problem, domestic violence against mainly women and children appears to be getting out of hand. If we are to successfully rid ourselves of this challenge, and ensure durable peace both at home and in the world, we all need to make extensive investments in educating our people, particularly males about domestic violence. I thank you.