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The continuation of violence in KwaZulu Natal has prompted many  
debates and questions. In a recent public dialogue arranged by the  
Xubera Institute for Research and Development, former National  
Commissioner of Police, General Bheki Cele, said, "You have a society  
so obsessed with violence that women used to say if your man does not  
beat you up, he no longer loves you."

I balk at that statement. For as we approach the beginning of 16 Days  
of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, we face the  
painful reality that violence and abuse against our most vulnerable  
citizens is pervasive in South Africa.

Violence, whether driven by politics, criminality or social  
dysfunction, is devastating to everyone it touches. I have witnessed  
first-hand the pain, grief and fear that accompany violence, for the  
IFP has buried hundreds of our members, leaders and supporters over  
the past 37 years. It is impossible to come to terms with.

16 Days of Activism focusses our attention on violence against women  
and children in particular. Knowing the statistics, and sharing the  
pain of our people, the IFP is committed to eliminating and preventing  
this evil.

South Africa's crime statistics show that violence against women,  
children and adolescents is rampant. This year, we have also been  
shocked by several incidents of rape of the elderly. Our overall  
violence-related death rate is nearly twice the global average, while  
the rate of homicide of women by intimate partners is six times the  
global average. Statistically, a South African woman is more likely to  
be raped than educated. That is an indictment on our country.

Tragically, studies show that children and adolescents who experience  
violence in the home are at an increased risk of themselves becoming  
perpetrators or victims of violence. According to the Thohoyandou  
Victim Empowerment Programme, this perpetuation of violence is a  
result of a web of interrelated factors.

A child's developing brain is particularly vulnerable to stress.  
Research indicates that exposing children to domestic violence -  
whether directly or indirectly - adversely and permanently affects  
their neurological, cognitive and behavioural development. This can  
result in decreased mental capacity, defects in memory, language and  
learning, and the emergence of problem behaviour. Our children need  
our protection.

Violence against women and children flourishes in an environment in  
which their dignity is disregarded and their status diminished. 16  
Days of Activism therefore calls upon each one of us to promote  
awareness of the rights of women and children. This is our duty.

I have warned before that abuse flourishes when it is hidden. Thus we  
must call on our communities to break the silence that tacitly  
consents to this evil in our homes and on our streets. We call on all  
South Africans who are suffering any form of abuse, or who suspect or  
know that someone else is a victim of abuse, to SPEAK OUT. Speak to an  
elder in your church, your guidance counselor or a teacher, speak to a  
family member or friend, or call one of the dedicated hotlines.

Rape, sexual harassment and physical abuse tend to take centre stage  
when we think of abuse. But abuse can also be emotional, verbal,  
psychological and financial. None of these are acceptable.

The IFP believes that the development of early intervention systems is  
vital to eliminate and prevent the cycle of violence. Despite the  
establishment of the Department of Women, Children and People with  
Disabilities, we have not made substantial progress in this regard.

We are also extremely concerned about the potentially devastating  
effects the mooted changes to BEE legislation will have on NGOs that  
assist vulnerable women and children. Donors are already withdrawing  
support from NGOs that cannot prove that they serve only black people  
in need. Yet these organizations play a vital role where Government is  
failing and we must help them keep their doors open.

Facing the reality of violence in our society is painful and  
distressing. Yet it cannot defeat our spirit. Instead, it must ignite  
our sense of partnership as we realize that our own wellbeing depends  
on the wellbeing of others. There is no more opportune moment than now  
for the spirit of ubuntu botho to unite our nation.

We dare not become inured to violence in any form. In an analysis of  
the violence in KwaZulu Natal that has been steadily escalating over  
the past few years, one journalist recently questioned whether we have  
already become desensitised to the brutality that seems so pervasive.

I understand that line of thought, for how can we live in such a  
violent society without building some psychological defences to  
protect ourselves from the pain, grief and fear that surround us? As I  
said, we in the IFP are intimately acquainted with the searing  
emotions that accompany violence.

But the journalist, Ms Mandy de Waal, asked "Do we even remember  
Dlamini, Shezi or Xulu?" or are they merely yesterday's "news fodder"?  
That is a question I must answer. I do so to help everyone looking in  
from the outside to understand why the IFP continues to labour so  
passionately for peace.

The answer is yes, we do remember them. We remember them every day,  
for we walk hand in hand with the mothers and sisters and brothers and  
children who are left behind to mourn. We remember the dedicated  
service of Councillor Themba Xulu. We remember the kindness of Celiwe  
Shezi, who came to support Councillor Xulu's family as we awaited news  
following his kidnapping. We remember the youthful enthusiasm of  
Siyabonga Dlamini, who longed to provide for his mother and sisters.

This week we are again wracked with grief over the death of Mr Sihle  
Biyela, who was murdered in KwaMashu on Monday night. In the time to  
come, we will remember him too, as we do every fallen man, woman and  
child whose lives have been taken through violence.

They were individuals and their lives, and deaths, matter.

Yours in the service of our nation,

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP