Pretoria - Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women Susan Shabangu has pleaded to communities to break the silence of abuse .
Speaking to the community of Mmakau on Saturday, Minister Shabangu urged the community to break the silence of abuse and report the perpetrators to the police. Her visit to the community formed part of government's Imbizo Focus Week.
“What brought us here is the worrying levels of abuse against women and children especially,” said Minister Shabangu speaking in Setswana as she addressed the community at a local community hall.
She said what has brought government to the area is the cry of women and children who continue to bear the brunt of abuse in the area.
“As a father hearing women been beat up by a neighbour, you cannot sit and do nothing. It’s not just a police matter, the community must get involved,” she said.
Drug abuse in the area was also of concern. The Minister urged communities to look out for the safety of women and children.
“Women and children don’t feel safe, if there’s no safety, there’s no community and we are extremely worried about drug abuse,” explained the Minister.
Prior to the engagement session at the community hall, Minister Shabangu paid a visit to families affected by violence against women and children.
The Imbizo Focus Week began on Tuesday and draws to a close on Sunday. It has seen Ministers and their deputies going to various communities to explain government’s programme of action, amplifying and expanding details of government’s plans.-SAnews.gov.za
