"THE state must be tough on perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide."
These were the words of Deputy President Paul Mashatile during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children in KaBokweni, Mpumalanga on Saturday, 25 November.
Mashatile said those who violate the rights of women and children should never be granted forgiveness without the application of appropriate punishment.
"The courts should not be soft against perpetrators of GBVF. We must report and condemn the perpetrators who reside within our communities. This government has consistently shown commitment to addressing GBV by implementing legislative, policy, and other measures to advance equality and empowerment for women, children, and people living with disabilities," he said.
Recently, the government passed six pieces of legislation related to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
ALSO READ: WATCH: I'm just attracted to same sex!
Mashatile said the ongoing implementation costing exercise underscores the government's commitment to ending GBVF.
"Today, we must recommit ourselves to ending violence against women and children. We have the ability to shape a future in which women and children are safe and their rights are respected.I urge men in our communities, to be role models to young boys. Remember, boys are born, and men are made. As men, we can help develop men in our society who respect women," he said.
The country has recorded almost 53 900 cases related to sexual crime. At least 4 726 rape incidents reported have taken place at either the home of the rape victim or of the perpetrator.
While 293 innocent children have also tragically lost their lives in GBVF related cases with 1820 cases of assault inflicted upon children.
"We must put an end to this. This we must do because, as a society we bear equal responsibility to the perpetrators if we remain ignorant of the infringement of women's freedom by male acquaintances, relatives, and colleagues, as well as those who exploit young women sexually and gloat about sleeping with young girls," said Mashatile
