Chairperson, on Monday 17 November 2008, two burglars entered the Ahmed-household in Laudium, Pretoria. Rashida Ahmed, 49-years- old, was beaten for over an hour with a spade and baton, while her attackers dragged her from room to room as they ransacked her home. Police have described her killing as Pretoria's worst murder yet. Our deepest condolences are extended to the Ahmed family on this most tragic event. The Ahmeds are victims, as many other South African families have been, to violence, crime and terror.
Annually we return to the podium confessing our commitment to ending the violence and abuse against women and children and this publicity is effective, but is it effective enough? Looking at the South African survey of 2007-08, it is reported that between the periods of 2002-03 to 2006-07 there has been an astounding increase of 34,7% in crimes committed against children under the age of 18 years. These crimes range from murder to rape, assault, indecent assault and common assault. The SA Government has policies, conventions and projects aligned with addressing the seriousness of violence and abuse against women and children. However, we remain severely challenged.
Actions speak louder than words. Mahatma Ghandi once said that those who embark on a journey of goals with vengeance, cause the whole world to be blinded. It has been very heart-warming having the hon G Morgan embracing senior citizens of Chatsworth, but what puzzles me is that there has been a bitter attack on our 75-year-old member, the hon Rajbally, by the DA's hon Morgan over the voting issue. He has sent letters to the Mercury newspaper, casting aspersions on her performance in Parliament.
All members are aware of hon Rajbally's consistent contribution and participation at national level and the hon Morgan should hang his head in shame.