South African Deputy President David Mabuza on Thursday lamented an increase in gender-based violence due to the COVID-10 lockdown.
Mabuza made the remarks during a video conference session, in response to a question by Fikile Masiko, of the African National Congress on the impact of the “She Conquers” campaign in curbing the escalation of Gender Based Violence aimed at Adolescent Girls and Young Women.
The “She Conquers” campaign was launched in June 2016 aimed at decreasing new HIV infections in Adolescent Girls and Young Women, decrease teenage pregnancies, increase the retention of young girls in school until matric, decrease sexual and gender-based violence against adolescent girls and young women, and increase their economic opportunities.
“For us the time to talk on issues of gender-based violence is over, time is of the essence, we need to act now and act decisively in tackling all challenges faced by the women of our country.” Mabuza called on parliamentarians.
The Deputy President reiterated that gender-based violence is tearing apart at the fabric of our society, as women and children are losing life at the hands of men almost on a daily basis.
The remarks come two weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned violence against women.
Since the start of June, South Africa has reported more than 10 deaths of women, attributed to gender violence.
President Ramaphosa called on the youth to play a leading role regarding the eradication of violence against women. He said that young people played a crucial role against apartheid government, noting today’s young people must fight again the society’s ills today.
In his remarks on Thursday, Deputy President Mabuza called on the Police to prioritise cases of gender based violence that have been reported and act swiftly in order to bring justice to the victims.
