Madam Chair, the South African Medical Research Council has disclosed in its recent annual report that almost one fifth of South African men have raped a woman at least once in their lives. Hearing these statistics and voicing our support of South Africa's commitment to eradicate sexual violence, we strongly support this long-awaited Bill. Last week a little seven-year-old girl was taken to a field by a trusted family friend where she was raped, stabbed and then set alight. This girl has lived to tell of the horror and a 28-year-old stands in court today to justify his actions, or rather deny them. This is but one case out of many, clearly showing how sick and evil a society we live in. We come to the podium to denounce sexual violence and to speak of educating the people against sexual violence. We talk about taking it to schools and creating awareness and both preventing and protecting against sexual violence.
The MF believes that there are far more deep-seated issues as to what forms the fabric of South African society. It is shocking that the majority of sexual offences are committed by children on children, with an estimated 130 059 child sex offences that were processed by the state between 1999 and March 2006. We need to address the root cause of the problem before we can institute preventive and protective measures.
This Bill is certainly a step closer to that. However, punishment for such a horrific crime needs to be no bail and a harsh sentence if not castration. It is certainly a step forward to extend the definition of sexual violence and realise that both men and women can be victims or perpetrators.
Education on sexual offences is crucial to the future of this pandemic in South Africa. It is punishment that shall serve as the best deterrent in addressing the core that produces this violence and that shall conquer it. Prayers are sent to all these victims of sexual offences, for those are scars that could never heal, but justice shall prevail. This Bill is key to stamping out sexual violence. The MF thanks the committee chair and the team, including the Minister and the Deputy Minister, for their hard work and supports the sexual offences amendment Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]