Women called on to oust criminals
'We want to see women exposing those who impregnate children' - MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza
SOUTH African women are being called on to expose the criminals in their communities and homes, in honour of the brave women who protested Pass Laws in 1956.
Speaking at a Women’s Month commemoration at the St Wendelins Catholic Church in Durban, Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza said it was worrying that women often knew about criminal activities in the community, but did not expose them.
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“We are aware the church has been at the forefront of curtailing gender-based violence, and we know it is women who lead the fight against all forms of abuse and discrimination,” she said.
“We believe that, once more, they can always lead in dealing with any kind of crime. We don’t say they must confront criminals, but as women, we can’t stay with criminals in our homes. We have to expose them.”
Khoza said it must be remembered that today’s freedom is a result of the blood and sweat of many women who were at the forefront of the struggle.
“We cannot live in fear of being victimised. Women cannot be subjected to inhumane conditions while living under a democratic dispensation,” said Khoza.
She also pleaded with the churches to play their role in reducing teenage pregnancy in the province. She said she has noted the high level of rape, turning girls as young as 10 into mothers.
“Girls aged between 10 and 14 years giving birth increased by 48.7% between April 2017 and September 2021. In this province, we recorded the highest number of teenage pregnancies, at 24 230.
“Something drastic needs to be done, and we believe the church has a role to play in helping government deal with the situation,” she said.
Khoza said it was shameful that men were preying on children in this country.
“These children are raped by their uncles, stepfathers and even biological fathers. We want to see women exposing those who impregnate children,” she concluded.
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