The plight of women and children being raped and murdered in the country has been highlighted as South Africa celebrates National Women’s Day.
Women politicians urged the police, the judiciary and society at large to act to stop the high numbers of women and children being raped and killed.
The Department of Women and Arts and Culture hosted a gala dinner in honour of women veterans of the liberation struggle in Durban on Friday night.
Former anti-apartheid activist and ANC Veterans League Deputy President, Thandi Memela, says enough is enough, adding that the police, judiciary and society need to act against this scourge.
The same sentiments were shared by Basic Education Minister and ANC Women’s League President Angie Motshekga.
She condemned the recent spate of crimes against women, including the hijackings that led to the assault and death of children.
Motshekga and Memela called on National Police Commissioner, General Ria Phiyega, to give these crimes serious attention – a plea that got a nod of agreement from the first female top cop.
Minister for Women Susan Shabangu urged women not to be deterred by challenges and participate in decision making processes.
Meanwhile, Motshekga says while there are challenges, a lot of strides have been made over past the 20 years.
She lamented the slow pace of transformation in the private sector.
She says women are still under represented in the workplace because of their gender.
South Africans are expected to come together to mark Women’s Day today.
Over 20 000 women from across the country are expected to converge at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, south of Durban, for the main national event.
President Jacob Zuma will deliver the keynote address at the venue.
source: sabc