Thread by @SAgovnews

Happening today: Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is expected to launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign at the Zoe Bible Church, Pimville #16DaysOfActivism #16Days

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane is now addressing the gathering #16DaysOfActivism #16Days

The Minister says where the gathering is held - Soweto - is a hotspot for gender based violence and femicide #16DaysOfActivism #16Days

She says gender based violence and femicide have become a second pandemic in the country. #16DaysOfActivism #16Days

The minister reflects on some cases where women were allegedly murdered by their partners #16DaysofActivism #16Days

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane: "Our country, our women, our children are not safe, don't feel safe." #16DaysofActivism #16Days

She says all the six pillars of the national strategic plan on gender based violence and femicide should be exercised in all departments and should be reported on regularly #16DaysofActivism #16Days

The minister says this would encourage accountability #16DaysofActivism #16Days

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane: "We need to take this accountability and take responsibility for our own actions. We should not look away. Let's all make sure that GBV [is ended]". #16DaysofActivism #16Days

The Minister says in 2019 government called for a review of policy and laws to ensure response to GBVF. #16DaysofActivism #16Days

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane: "We have passed through Parliament three bills that will assist to make sure that justice is done and women get out of these chains". #16DaysofActivism #16Days

The Minister says economic participation of women is integral in fighting GBVF. #16DaysofActivism #16Days

She says the eradication of GBVF can only be achieved through collaborative efforts. #16DaysofActivism #16Days

"This work is not for yourselves...let us all be accountable. Let us all make South Africa beautiful. Women are saying enough is enough". #16DaysOfActivism #16Days

The Minister has concluded her remarks. Please go to sanews.gov.za for more on this story.

[Read] @DWYPD_ZA Min Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, says the country – especially men – need to take accountability for the gender based violence and femicide “pandemic” currently plaguing South Africa #16DaysofActivism #16Days tinyurl.com/2fu29bhh