Defending Manana is a grave mistake

The case of Mduduzi Manana, SA’s deputy minister of higher education, who allegedly assaulted two women, should be straight forward.

Nothing – not even the insults the women hurled at him – are justification for his violent actions.

If he understood the gravity of his actions he would have resigned, and any defence of his actions warrants criticism – no less statements from Bathabile Dlamini, president of the ANC Women’s League and the Minister of social development.

Most alarming is that Dlamini alleged that other senior ANC leaders are guilty of worse crimes against women, and in the same breath refused to divulge their names.

Dlamini has characterised criticism of Manana as “attacks”. She said that the women’s league would not be calling for his removal from government because these “attacks” are being used as a political tool.

The woman holds significant portfolios and commands important platforms concerned with the rights of women and vulnerable groups in our society.

She has again laid bare her own injudiciousness and the league’s hapless defence of patriarchy.

Leaders in government are under greater obligation to protect women and children and to defend their rights.

Calling Manana out for assaulting women is stating a fact. His actions fly in the face of government’s commitment to ending the epidemic of violence against women.

He has betrayed the very principles and values that he should be upholding.

If his actions go unpunished, he will be giving license to ordinary men, particularly those who see nothing wrong with visiting such cruelties on women.

Manana has appeared in court on assault charges and Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has assured the nation that Manana will not receive special treatment.

But it is not enough for the punishment to be merely criminal.

Manana should face political consequences for his actions because as a deputy minister and leader in government he has brought his office and the entire administration into disrepute.

He cannot be treated like just any other ordinary person because, frankly, he is not.