Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu, has expressed disappointment that her name was mentioned in a story about an alleged rape.
“This story has absolutely nothing to do with Minister Zulu,” the Department of Small Business Development said in a statement on Monday.
The City Press wrote a story about a man that is accused of raping a 25-year-old student.
The newspaper mentions Minister Zulu as a close friend of the man involved in the alleged rape.
“It is obvious that the intention of the newspaper was to cast aspersions on the integrity of Minister Zulu generally, as well as on her commitment to women’s rights, in particular,” the department said.
The department said the Minister’s record as a gender activist and passionate advocate for women’s rights speaks for itself.
“Minister Zulu has never, and will never support any kind of abuse against women. In this particular case, Minister Zulu has confidence in the country’s law enforcement agencies and our justice system to handle this matter appropriately. The law must be allowed to take its course,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
