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Just two days ago President Jacob Zuma and Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Honourable Susan Shabangu urged every member of the society not to look away when violence against women and children transpires.

Today, two days since the launch of 16 Days for no violence against women and children, we rouse to the video footage of an alleged taxi driver assaulting a woman. Those in the taxi which include three women and two men kept silent as the women was being embarrassed and assaulted.

This is exactly what we mean when we say government cannot fight the scourge alone. It takes all of us to intervene and correct the violent treatment by men towards women. The eradication of this plague is only possible if all of us do something.

We have to keep pushing relentlessly to end the scourge of gender based violence. The unbecoming actions of a taxi driver are another level of disrespect, for while we, government and society at large are calling for the protection of women he does exactly what we speak against.

Our action towards activism will be impractical campaigns and will give rise to violence if we do not work together. Let us all do our part in stopping this violence.

Enough is enough: We call on everyone to play their part and prevent violence against women, children. No woman should be beaten or attacked in any manner anywhere in our country. Those who abuse have no place in our communities.

During these 16 Days we appeal to all sectors of society to end the cycle of violence against women, children and people with disabilities.

Let us use this campaign to heighten awareness and empower communities to act to prevent abuse and to ensure a safer society for all, especially women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Women