Pretoria - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des van Rooyen says abusers, murderers and rapists have no place in South Africa.
The country recently attracted negative publicity following the raping, murdering and burning of women and children.
“We are experiencing a wave of attacks and abuse levelled against women and children. We condemn these barbaric acts with the strongest terms possible as they do not have a place in our society.
“We urge councillors, traditional leaders and others within and outside our sector to play a greater role in ensuring the safety of all people, especially women, children and the elderly,” he said.
The Minister was speaking during a briefing ahead of his Budget Vote, in Cape Town, on Thursday.
Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma has urged South Africans to unite against attacks and killing of women and children.
“We are outraged and seriously concerned about the reports of the abuse and killing of women and children in some parts of the country. We are especially extremely concerned that in most cases, these attacks occur at the hands of family members or in the case of women, their intimate partners.
“The nation must forge a united front with the law enforcement authorities, government and all sectors of society in fighting this appalling scourge and isolate these criminals in society but within the ambit of the law,” said the President.
Minister van Rooyen will table the department’s Budget Vote Speech in the National Assembly later today at 4pm. - SAnews.gov.za
