Speaker, the MF strongly believes that if we have to wage a war against poverty and crime, and ensure peace, we will first have to begin with the women and children of our land. As parents, indeed, we are not obligated to trust anyone, but obliged to protect our children.
The killing of our toddlers is truly a tragedy, and the MF roundly condemns this kind of barbaric behaviour. Our condolences go to the families of all the toddlers involved. Minister Lulu Xingwana is absolutely correct in describing it as senseless and inexcusable. Our Constitution guarantees the right to life, and we must ensure that this right is respected. Minister Nathi Mthethwa indicated that these are shameful incidents, and the MF believes the Minister's call for communities to rally against this scourge is an accurate one.
The number of cases reported is of concern, and it is something that requires a joint effort as a nation.
Furthermmore, this deep-seated problem needs deep psychological analysis to determine why people do this. What is devastating is that most of these perpetrators are members of families or neighbours. Arresting these people is not a problem. The justice system is working, and the police are working.
The MF suggests that we should set up a team of experts comprising psychologists and social workers to analyse the kind of behaviour that we see and determine why we have this. Is it linked to poverty or ignorance? Moreover, government needs to give this priority. This team should also analyse how many cases we have had, look for a common theme, and run a campaign based on the findings. Parliament should perhaps also look at incentivising the arrest and detention of these people so that communities play a role and make an invaluable contribution.
We must therefore do everything to ensure that our children and women are protected against the inhumane circumstances that endanger their safety and security. Violence against women and children is definitely a fight that requires everyone who breathes South African air and lives on South African soil to commit themselves to unselfishly taking part in it. Thank you. [Applause.]