The recent incident involving the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mdudusi Manana, who allegedly assaulted a woman in a night club on Sunday was brought up by several women who attended a special Women's Day Breakfast in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.
The Special Guest Speaker and former High Court Judge Anna-Marie De Vos said the fact that Government, The National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police have not yet taken action is a tragedy, especially since he had already made a confession.
De Vos, who became the first woman to be voted to the Bar Council in 1991, today offers legal advice to women in her capacity as a member of the George Bar Association.
“Women from all walks of life would come into my office feeling completely powerless,” she said.
De Vos said events around woman’s day and the ‘16 days of activism against gender violence is all talk and no action. The Manana incident sends out a message that women are again just not important enough.
The Deputy Minister issued a brief statement on Monday apologising for the incident. Several organisations, including President Jacob Zuma condemned the incident, yet no arrest has been made.
According to De Vos, we have one of the best Constitutions in the world and that the problem lies with society. “Both men and women should change their attitude and teach their children about the principles enshrined in our Constitution” she added.
Wednesday’s event was hosted by the Reeva Steenkamp Foundation which launched in Port Elizabeth nearly one year ago.
Reeva, who would have celebrated her 34th birthday later this month, was shot and killed by her boyfriend and former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, on Valentine's Day four years ago.
The slain model and law graduate from Port Elizabeth was passionate about educating and empowering women victims of domestic violence, and the Foundation was launched to do just that.
