Violence Against Women
Source: The New Age
The fight against gender-based violence has been dealt a blow after the launch of the National Council Against Gender-Based Violence, which was meant to take place at the weekend, was put on hold.
The Council, which was approved by Cabinet late last year, is a "high-level mutli-sectoral national response to the scourge of gender- based violence".
Days ahead of the scheduled launch, Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, said that the levels of gender-based violence in South Africa are "unacceptably high".
"We are confident that the work of the Council will lead to a significant reduction in the incidents of violence against women and children."
The decision to postpone the launch came because President Jacob Zuma declared a period of mourning for those killed at Lonmin mine in Marikana.
Department spokesperson Conelius Monama yesterday said that the launch was meant to introduce the 45-member council to the public. "The postponement will not have an effect on the fight against gender-based violence," said Monama yesterday.
"The reasons for the postponement are legitimate," he said.
Explaining the reason for the postponement the department said: "The postponement will afford all leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to attend the memorial and funeral services related to the tragedy."
A new date for the launch has not been announced.