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Deputy President closes the 16 Days for Activism Campaign in
North West, 10 December 2005 Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 16
Days for Activism against Women and Child Abuse Campaign, in Lichtenburg, in the
North West Province, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka urged all South Africans
to continue to fight against women and child abuse throughout the year and that
their commitment to the fight must not end today on the 16th day of the campaign.
"I would like to make sure that we see this day as a day we rededicate
ourselves to activism against abuse. We must therefore, when we leave here today,
not say it is over and go back to abusing women and children," said the Deputy
President. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against women and Children
campaign takes place from 25 November to 10 December annually, with the key commemorative
days being: - 25 November (International Day for No Violence Against
Women);
- 1 December (International AIDS Day),
- 3 December (International
Day for the Disabled) and
- 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The Deputy President described the 16 day-period as a period of heightened
awareness; during which focus is given on issues around children and women abuse.
The Deputy President said that South African laws are there to protect
people, to give people access to justice and punish those who prey on the weak
and vulnerable. She urged all; women and men alike, to commit themselves to defending
these rights. The Deputy President called on everyone to use these laws
as a second line of defence. She said that the family should be the first line
of defence. "Our homes should be our first line of defence; our homes should
be our places of safety," said Mlambo-Ngcuka. The Deputy President
said that "we fought hard for these laws and we will never surrender them.
In this regard, the Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed amendments
to the new Sexual Offences Bill and this legislation will come before us for finalisation
in Parliament next year". When the campaign was officially launched
on the 25 November at the Katlehong Stadium in Ekurhuleni the Deputy President
had an opportunity to light the Campaign's Torch of Peace. "This torch,
which will burn throughout the year in our hearts and in our lives, is a symbol
of peace and signifies no violence," the Deputy President said. "The
torch starts this journey today as we will be handing it over to the Minister
of Transport, Mr Jeff Radebe. The Torch of Peace will reflect our wish as South
Africans to enjoy peace on our roads over this festive season".
"As
many of our people will be on the road travelling to and from their various holiday
destinations, the Arrive Alive campaign reminds us to take every precaution to
ensure that we reach our homes and holiday destinations safely," said the
Deputy President. In January, Minister Radebe will hand the Torch of Peace
over to the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, to highlight the importance
of peace in our schools and to reinforce the values that underpin the Safer Schools
project. The Deputy President was accompanied by North West Premier, Ms
Edna Molewa, the Transport Minister Mr Jeff Radebe, Correctional Service Deputy
Minister, Ms Cheryl Gillwald. Enquiries
Terrence Manase
Cell: 082
338 6707 Issued by: The Presidency
10 December 2005
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