Proper action must be taken against Deputy Minister – Soul City Institute for Social Justice
South Africa’s gender-based violence will not be tackled if those tasked with dealing with the issue actively contribute to it.
This is according to a recent media statement made by the Soul City Institute for Social Justice.
The organisation made the statement in reference to the recent case involving the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana.
“One would expect a leader to uphold the laws and constitution of the country. The position he or she occupies requires a leader to guard our values.
“We will be watching closely how the criminal justice system handles this matter. Our experience is that victims of gender-based violence often experience secondary victimisation,” said the Institute’s Advocacy Manager, Matokgo Makutoane.
According to the organisation, research also shows very low levels of conviction in cases of gender-based violence and sexual assault.
“Another concerning issue about this case is that homophobia and patriarchy have been exposed.
“The fact that both the victim and perpetrator considered being gay to be an insult, indicates the amount of work that still needs to be done. There needs to be a change of mindset in society when it comes to issues of gender stereotypes, homophobic attitudes and utterances.
“That is problematic in many ways and needs to be condemned in the strongest terms.
“The video on social media suggests it would be good to also focus on the onlookers who appeared to be men. They appeared to be assisting by holding the woman down for the deputy minister to assault.
“The deputy minister’s apology does not mean the law must not take its course. Social justice organisations will be monitoring this case.
“There always has to be a social cost to such behaviour, whether in or outside of public office,” said Makutoane.
