EDITOR – As the country marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children, it is sad that this campaign comes at a time when women and children are facing the wrath of abuse on a daily basis.
Every week when you buy a newspaper, in this province, you read stories of women, children and the elderly who have been raped, killed or tortured. Recent crime stats revealed that a total of 18158 cases of sexual offences rape were reported in this province alone. These are only reported cases. It is disheartening that in this province, there are some quarters in our communities who believe that they are entitled to a women’s body.
We call on the members of society to start being the brother’s keepers for all women and children in their surroundings. To take responsibility for their safety. We call on men to take a stand and to raise their voices LOUDER against the abuse of women and children.
We encourage women to take a stand now and leave abusive relationships. We also encourage parents and caregivers to report cases of child abuse. We cannot become a prosperous society with children abused day in and day out with cases brushed under the carpet.
Zwakele Mncwango
DA KZN Caucus Leader
