Issued by: Ministry for Welfare and Population Development
12 November 1997
MESSAGE FROM THE WELFARE AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT MINISTER GERALDINE FRASER-MOLEKETI ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE NATIONAL MEN'S MARCH ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN
The coming National Men's March on Violence Against Women and Children, taking place on 22 November 1997, sends a bold message to all South Africans that South African men have had enough of all forms of violence, particularly violence against women and children.
As Minister for Welfare and Population Development whose Department and a partner in the Network on Violence Against Women, I applaud this action taking place under the auspices of te South African National NGO COalition. This, indeed, is a campaign that will contribute in raising the consciousness of each and every South African, that violence against anyone, particularly women and children, should be stamped out from whatever quarter. It sends a message to everyone that: "Let us reclaim our streets and our homes, violence is unacceptable"!
In line with partnership between Government and organs of civil society, this campaign will clearly complement efforts by Government to create awareness and stamp out this sczurge of violence within our communities. The Government, through the Department of Welfare, has entered into partnership with civil society to combat violence against women. The National Network on Violence Against Women was established to play a key role in the eradication of all forms of violence against women. Provincial networks have been established, and member organisation are rendering a wide range of services to victims of abuse. These include counselling, support, advice and shelter. Training is offered to professionals and volunteers working in the field of abuse.
This action will clearly contribute towards awareness raising which is a central point of the victim empowerment programme, as part of the National Crime Prevention Strategy. As you are about to embark on this major demonstration, I wish to commend you on behalf of Cabinet on the fact that you are speaking out and stating that: "Real men should not abuse women and children."
Issued : Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, MP Minister for Welfare and Population Development
Enquries: Brian Sokutu Cellphone: 082-807-5397