I don’t know about you but something is bugging me.
Every day we read and hear about some or other celebration or anniversary the government is promoting, for example the 60th anniversary of the Women’s Charter this year. Next year we shall celebrate 21 years of democracy in a free, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. Right?
Do the people who decide on these celebrations/ anniversaries actually believe there is reason to celebrate? What is the point of celebrating when the truth is ignored?
For the past six years, according to the Medical Research Council of South Africa, 2 500 women are killed each year. The overall female homicide rate (24,7 per 100 000) is six times higher than the global average. More than a third of the girls who participated in the research have experienced sexual violence (such as unwanted touching, forced sexual intercourse or being used for sexual acts by older men) before the age of 18.
The latest official crime statistics have shown the exceptionally violent nature of attacks on people, even children. Yet we must hear and read about these annoying celebrations/ anniversaries every single day.
Instead of focusing on what needs to be addressed urgently, resources are being wasted on insignificant events but nothing, nothing is being done to stop criminals from doing as they please. They are the ones with the freedom, not ordinary law-abiding citizens.
My question is this: Should those in power rather focus on implementing harsher punishment for offenders and think of a plan to tackle crime instead of wasting time and money on posters, notifications, e-mails and the very costly events?
I’m no Nostradamus, but if the issue of crime is not addressed appropriately soon, people will seek other alternatives …
