Debate on the Report by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety

Thank you Hon. MEC Ntuli for this report which affects mainly women and children, as we see rising cases of violence against vulnerable persons, heightened during the recent lock-down and its consequences. Hon. members, MEC Ntuli is always responsive when I call on him for assisting people. Thank you MEC.
Hon. MEC, let’s be reminded, although these Thuthuzela Centres, safe-houses or shelters and White Door centres will assist on a daily basis to give hope to the helpless, these one-stop facilities are only a symptomatic but essential response to large societal problems.
Hon. MEC, I brought a case recently of a Mrs S. Maharaj and her young daughter who did not receive assistance from the Phoenix police for violence in a flat from body corporate persons, especially the chairman. In terms of violence against women, the former Ministry for Women and Children in 2013 stated clearly that violence against women are committed purely based on the fact that they are “women”. The affected family did not get a peace-order granted this week from the Verulam Court; reference number H687/20 and are now living with friends in another flat. Hon. MEC, please get the relevant personnel to intervene as the role of SAPS is essential to ensure women and children get protection.
So, violence against women/men makes all vulnerable people victims of their circumstances at some point in their lives and government policy must be broadened to include all social-ills.
Hon. MEC, the MF awaits more aggressive communication on these progressive developments in all media to bring about awareness on the facilities, where they are and the guidelines for access. At another time it would be necessary for a report with statistics on various forms of violence against women and more information on the four strategic objectives and pillars. Finally, Community Police Fora and War Rooms should be empowered through training to assist vulnerable women in our communities.
The MF supports this report.
Thank you.