馃嚳馃嚘South AfricaSouthern Africa
Eastern Cape MEC calls for united action against gender-based violence and child abuse
via The Citizen3 min read
The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development has urged officials and the public to collaborate in combating the increasing rates of femicide and child abuse. MEC Bukiwe Fanta reported that department statistics show 60 women were killed since January, and 3,168 child abuse cases were reported. These child abuse cases include 35 abandoned children, 1,328 sexual abuse cases, 153 emotional abuse cases, and 279 physical abuse cases. The Alfred Nzo municipality recorded the highest number of sexual abuse cases with 366, followed by OR Tambo district with 362, Nelson Mandela metro with 278, and Chris Hani district with 136. The MEC expressed shock over the brutal murder and rape of women in Dudula and Masakala villages, highlighting that six women have died due to gender-based violence in Matatiele since April. Fanta described the violence as a national crisis fueled by toxic masculinity, societal indifference, and systemic inequalities. The department is committed to addressing this crisis by strengthening support systems for survivors, providing legal, psychological, and emotional care. Fanta called on communities to break the silence, foster a culture where victims feel safe to report abuse, and support survivors. She emphasized the importance of education and awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes and instill values of respect, consent, and equality. Fanta also stressed the need for swift action against perpetrators, ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
The African Transformation Movement ATM and Vuyo Zungula have filed an urgent direct appeal to the Constitutional Court, requesting a review of a Western Cape High Court ruling. The High Court had granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim order to pause his impeachment inquiry, stemming from the Section 89 panel's report on the Phala Phala matter, until his challenge to the report is decided. Ramaphosa's review aims to overturn the report's conclusion that he has questions to answer regarding funds stolen from his farm in 2020. Zungula argues that the High Court's decision creates uncertainty regarding the Constitutional Court's authority, particularly whether a lower court can suspend the implementation of a Constitutional Court order. He emphasized the need for clarity on the constitutional relationship between the judiciary and Parliament, the separation of powers, and the supremacy of the Constitution. Zungula also noted that the High Court's decision was not unanimous and that the ruling does not exonerate the President. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, speaking at an ANC rally, urged critics to respect judicial decisions, regardless of whether they are favorable. The Presidency welcomed the High Court's judgment, reiterating Ramaphosa's commitment to due process and respect for judicial independence.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba affirmed that the ANC is undergoing renewal and is capable of resolving local government issues, stating the party has not betrayed former President Nelson Mandela's legacy. Speaking at the Limpopo ANC鈥檚 Mandela Legacy Rally in Thohoyandou, Ramathuba referenced Mandela's 1993 warning that voters should abandon the ANC if it failed the people. She argued that infrastructure projects, such as a water purification project completed ahead of schedule and under budget in Ga-Phasha, demonstrate the ANC has not met the criteria for Mandela's warning. Ramathuba emphasized the party's commitment to addressing poverty, student fees, youth unemployment, and economic transformation to create jobs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, also present, urged the provincial executive to prioritize economic growth and infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of strong leadership in municipalities for service delivery. Ramathuba concluded by noting the ANC's 114-year history, asserting its resilience and ongoing efforts to fix challenges.
The Economic Freedom Fighters EFF have announced their mayoral candidates for the upcoming 2026 local government elections. Leader Julius Malema made the announcement on Saturday at the party's manifesto launch and 13th birthday celebration at Thohoyandou stadium. Among the candidates, former Ekurhuleni Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivenga will run for Ekurhuleni, and parliamentarian Omphile Maotwe will contest Tshwane. Malema also named candidates for other municipalities, including Lawrence Mapoulo for Polokwane, Godrich Gardee for Mbombela, Israel Monaise for Rustenburg, and Lerato Tito for Sol Plaatjie. Malema emphasized the need for more funding for local government and highlighted what he described as the EFF's successes in municipalities, such as providing sanitation, water, and stabilizing finances in Ekurhuleni, and improving cleanliness in Tshwane.