11 November 2024

Honorable Chairperson, esteemed Members of Parliament, and fellow South Africans,

Today, as we stand in solemn reflection during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, we renew our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable among us. We speak not only to commemorate but to reaffirm our collective duty to ensure that no child or woman in this nation is subjected to the horrors of violence and abuse. Violence against women and children is a deep wound that cuts across every corner of our society. It thrives in silence, perpetuated by a culture that has too often ignored the cries of the vulnerable. And it is our duty, as elected representatives, to ensure that this silence is broken, that no victim remains unheard, and that no abuser remains unpunished.

The ANC actively supports and promotes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which runs annually from November 25 to December 10. This period emphasizes the need to address gender-based violence and it advocates for human rights, and promote a safer society for women and children, who are disproportionately affected by violence in South Africa. Our stance on the campaign is rooted in our party’s commitment to social justice, human rights, and equality as outlined in our constitution and policies. The ANC advocates for a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence and views GBV as a serious human rights violation that must be eradicated. This position aligns with our party’s emphasis on creating a non-violent, equitable society in which all people can live free from fear and violence. There is a need for community accountability and mobilization against GBV and we call for harsher penalties for offenders. We support the various legislative reforms aimed at strengthening protections for women and children. This includes amendments to the Sexual Offences Act, Domestic Violence Act, and Criminal Law Amendment Act, as well as recent reforms to improve support and services for victims.

We encourage communities, families, and individuals to participate actively in the 16 Days of Activism campaign and beyond. Communities have a role to play in awareness and action in combating GBV and participating in community dialogues, workshops, and campaigns that challenge societal norms and attitudes contributing to violence against women and children. This includes engaging men and boys in conversations about toxic masculinity, consent, and respect. Raising awareness about GBV and educating the public on recognizing and reporting abuse is central to the ANC’s approach. We emphasise the importance of school and community-based educational programs that promote values of respect, equality, and empathy from a young age. The ANC also supports media campaigns and public service announcements during the 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness and encourage individuals to speak out against violence.

Honorable Members, the protection of children and women particularly those with disabilities is not just a policy objective; it is a moral imperative. For too long, disabled women and children have faced added layers of vulnerability. They are often isolated from services, sidelined from access to psychosocial support, and, tragically, more frequently targeted by those who exploit their circumstances. We must ensure that every support service, from legal aid to social interventions, is accessible to all citizens, regardless of ability. Let it be clear that when we say we stand for protection, we mean protection for everyone.

Our legislative frameworks, while robust, need reinforcement to address the changing landscape of abuse. We need to amplify the voices of victims and survivors, ensuring that they are empowered not only to seek justice but to rebuild their lives with dignity. We must strengthen our commitment to rehabilitation programs, understanding that to prevent abuse, we must intervene early and educate our youth. A boy child raised with respect and accountability grows into a man who respects and protects. Let us be intentional in nurturing boys who will grow to be responsible, law-abiding citizens who abhor violence and stand against abuse.

Honorable Chairperson, the role of our justice system has been critical. From the establishment of specialized courts to more robust sentencing guidelines for gender-based violence, we are seeing progress. But justice must extend beyond the courtroom. It must be reflected in our homes, schools, and communities. Every community member, every leader, has a part to play in ending this.