Manana not excused

THE commission for Gender Equality (CGE) welcomes the resignation of Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana.

Upon his acknowledgement that he had assaulted Ms Mandisa Duma at the Cubana Nightclub in Fourways, the Gender Commission was vociferous in its calls for Mr Manana to either be suspended or dismissed.

While acknowledging his resignation, the commission believes this has come a little too late.

Consequently, this has created an unfortunate impression that the government is morally ambivalent about and indifferent to the seriousness of gender-based violence.

Mr Manana’s resignation should not be considered exoneration for the common assault and grievous bodily harm with which he has been charged.

Justice must be served for the victims of this attack.

Even if he remains an ordinary Member of Parliament, the law must take its course as his resignation as deputy minister does not exonerate him from crimes that he must answer to.

As an institution empowered by the constitution “to promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality”, this places upon the commission the burden to ensure that our country observes the right of women to be protected against genderbased violence.

It is against this backdrop that we will continue in our endeavours to speak out against all forms of violence against women and children, irrespective of the identity and position of the perpetrators.

The commission appeals to both the public and private sector and society at large not to tolerate people who commit gender-based violence.

We will continue as the Gender Commission through our outreach and legal programmes to educate and raise awareness about the scourge of genderbased violence in our communities.

We urge members of the public with information about acts of gender-based violence and abuse to call our toll-free number, 0800 007 709, to report such cases. Javu Baloyi CGE spokesperson