18 February 2025

The ANC study group for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities strongly condemns the alleged assault, intimidation, abuse, and gross human rights violations suffered by young men at a nightclub. We view this incident with the utmost disgust, as it is not merely an act of disorderly conduct but a direct violation of human dignity and bodily autonomy—acts that can and should be equated to the trauma and violation experienced in cases of rape and other forms of abuse.

The African National Congress (ANC) has always taken a firm stance against any form of violence, abuse, and human rights violations, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held to account. This incident is a reminder of the ongoing culture of impunity that exists in certain establishments where security personnel, club owners, and their associates abuse their power to intimidate and violate patrons with no fear of consequences.

We demand the following immediate actions

1. The Law Must Take Its Course

• We call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively in this matter. Perpetrators must be brought to justice without fear or favour—from individual staff members to the nightclub management.

2. Strict Vetting and Screening of Security Companies

• We demand a full-scale review and strict vetting process for all security companies operating in nightclubs and entertainment venues.
  
• No security company with a record of abuse, unqualified personnel, or poor regulatory compliance should be allowed to operate.

3. A Broader Investigation into Similar Incidents

• This is not an isolated case. We call for an independent investigation into past reports of abuse, assault, and human rights violations in entertainment spaces to break the cycle of violence that has been normalized trauma experienced by the victims requires immediate intervention. We call for additional resources and specialized psychological support to be made available to assist them in recovering from this violation.

5. A Zero-Tolerance Stance Against Human Rights Violations

• This incident is not just about nightclub violence—it is about the systemic failure to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse in public spaces.
  
• We call on government, civil society, and private stakeholders to ensure that public spaces are safe for all, particularly youth and marginalized groups.

The ANC has consistently stood against all forms of abuse, discrimination, and violations of human rights. This case is no different. We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring justice for the victims. We will not allow nightclubs, businesses, or security companies to operate with impunity at the expense of people’s safety and dignity.

We offer our full support to the victims and their families and will closely monitor this case to ensure that justice is served. We further call on the public, civil society, and law enforcement agencies to unite against all forms of abuse and violations of human rights.

The time for action is now. We will not rest until those responsible are held to account and meaningful changes are made to prevent further occurrences.

Justice must be served. Human dignity must be restored. Enough is enough!

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group Whip Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Cde Meagan Chauke-Adonis

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