Parliament, Friday, 6 December 2024 – The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, joined about 100 women and children who have been exposed to abuse from Khayelitsha in a march against violence in the area this morning.
The march was part of activities to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign – a United Nations campaign that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Chairperson Mtshweni-Tsipane, joined by her Deputy Mr Les Govender and chairpersons of various parliamentary committees, encouraged the children not to be discouraged by the circumstances they found themselves in and that they should not allow their experience of abuse to define them.
She urged the women to take a stand against violence and protect their children and families. “Mothers, you must take responsibility to protect your children against abuse. You must be the one who stands strong and takes steps, even if it is your husband who is responsible for the abuse,” said the Chairperson.
The march started and ended at the Nonceba Family Counselling Centre – a place of care for women and children who have been vulnerable to abuse in the Khayelitsha area. The NCOP Chairperson commended the management and staff at the centre for the work they are doing in caring for individuals who are vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse.
“Next time we return to this centre we hope that we won’t find these children here, they must be free and reintegrated with their families and communities,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane adding that the goal is to ensure that in the future the centre should be converted into a skills training centre.
NCOP Deputy Chairperson Govender said: “As Parliament today, we want to say to you that we stand with you and we stand with your families. We are here to say to you that you are not alone and when we pray we ask God to protect us. My message to you here today is that you are protected by God Almighty, you are protected by these wonderful social workers and the team that you have here at Nonceba. They are here to protect and care for you, and we are here to give them that full support, to say to you that we are part of your family.”
Other MPs who participated in the march include Ms Lindelwa Dunjwa, Chairperson of the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus; Jane Mananiso, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice; Ms Liezl Van Der Merwe, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Ms Bridget Masango, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development; Ms Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams; Ms Jasmine Petersen; Ms Dereleen James; Ms Paulnita Marais; and Ms Meagan Chauke-Adonis.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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