The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed the judgment by the South Gauteng High Court, which sets aside the decision to grant Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity.
“The judgment signifies that gender based violence requires serious and concerted response by the State,” spokesperson Javu Baloyi said on Monday.
The Gender Commission, represented by the Legal Resources Centre, successfully joined the litigation as amicus curiae (friend to the court).
Through its representations, the commission submitted that providing Mugabe diplomatic immunity after the alleged assault of a 20-year-old South African model directly violated the constitutional directive to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of women, including violating South Africa’s international obligations to safeguard women.
Last August, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) granted the former first lady diplomatic immunity in relation to the alleged case of assault.
On Monday, the South Gauteng High Court ruled that the decision was inconsistent with the Constitution.
Meanwhile, government has called on all men to Sign the #100MenMarch Pledge http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/100-men-march.html and boldly declare that violence against women and children will not be tolerated in their respective environment or communities. – SAnews.gov.za
