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The Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Minister Bathabile Dlamini congratulates Advocate Shamila Batohi on her appointment to the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Minister wishes to applaud Advocate Batohi on her impeccable credentials and believes that her appointment will ensure the advancement of all national efforts in the pursuit of justice for all, and in particular, women.

Minister Dlamini hailed the appointment as a watershed moment for women. “Advocate Batohi’s appointment cannot be overstated, especially as it occurs during the 16 Days of Activism campaign when women are pleading with society to #HearMeToo against all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).  A critical inhibiting factor to ending GBV is secondary victimization and trauma through insensitive courtroom examination techniques that aim to destabilize survivors at the expense of justice,” stated Minister Dlamini.

Under the leadership of Advocate Batohi the Minister believes the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will be more sensitive to the bravery displayed by survivors in stepping forward and reporting Gender-Based Violence. The Minister and the department implores Advocate Batohi to fulfill the mission of the NPA by ensuring justice for the victims of GBV by prosecuting without fear and favor, while at all times respecting the dignity of those who are brave enough to speak out.

Let us also take this opportunity and encourage other women to avail themselves for senior positions in government as well as the private sector. We call on all women of South Africa to support Advocate Batohi.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of The Department of Women