Now throw the book

FORMER deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana has been praised for “doing the right thing” in resigning after he was caught on a cellphone video assaulting two women at a Johannesburg nightclub just more than a week ago.

We do not join in that praise. It took him over a week, and the decision should not have been his to make. As a high-ranking member of government, President Jacob Zuma should have sacked him as soon as news of what he had done became known – and especially after he admitted it. And how could he deny it anyway. The video went viral, showing once more how cellphone technology has taken us to a brave new world.

In the week that it took, we were treated to a shocking defence of Manana by ANC Women’s League leader Bathabile Dlamini. We hope her views are remembered by women throughout South Africa.

No, we believe Manana was forced to quit because of “People Power”. South Africans from all walks of life – and from all community formations – relentlessly called for him to be charged and to be sacked by the government. It was a clamour that could not be ignored.

We want to say congratulations to these South Africans. Keep on standing up for the rule of law. We have a serious problem with the law being applied with sugar-coating for people in government or other high positions. It should be applied equally to everyone. There should be no “untouchables” in this country, whether they are South Africans or from other countries like Zimbabwe, as in the scandalous case of Grace Mugabe.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has promised to throw the book at men who abuse women. We say: Throw that book. We are tired of ministers and officials paying lip service to the law.

There are far too many who call themselves men but who see women as their possessions, who use women as punching bags or worse.

A strong message should be sent to them – and Manana – that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.