Singer praised for courage in laying rape

MUSICIAN and former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson has been hailed for her bravery and boldness after laying a rape charge against South African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan.

Yesterday, the women’s wing of the United Democratic Movement said Ferguson’s step would pave the way for other women to not keep quiet.

“We have been waiting for this day, and for all women, this is hope. Ferguson’s step will pave the way for other women to speak out,” UDM Women’s Organisation secretary-general Thandi Nontenja said.

Nontenja made the statement as former PSL referee Ace Ncobo called on Jordaan to step down from the top position.

“Is it right for somebody who has this serious accusation‚ which has now become a formal complaint filed with the SAPS‚ to lead the organisation (Safa)?

“The issue of a resignation is a personal conscience issue. It is an issue for the man himself to sit down and say‚ ‘Am I the right person‚ being faced with this thing‚ to continue to lead this organisation?’” said Ncobo in an SABC interview.

Ncobo and Jordaan are in a bitter fight over the elective conference at the football body, which was postponed last week.

On Sunday, Ferguson said she decided to lay a charge after Jordaan did not engage her in a Truth and Reconciliation mediation that was outside the formal legal action.

“I do this in the hope that other victims of sexual abuse will be empowered to speak out and act. I do this and ask for your support and prayer, in thought or action, for all those affected by his sexual misconduct,” she said.

Ferguson first alleged on Facebook last year that Jordaan raped her at the Holiday Inn in Port Elizabeth in the 1990s. This has been denied by the Safa president, who has maintained that court proceedings could get to the truth.

Nontenja said they continued to be dismayed by how much damage has been done by those in high places.