Source: allAfrica
Main address by the Deputy Minister of Police, Hon. Ms. Makhotso Maggie Sotyu (Mp) at the re-launch of SAPS' Women's Network and Men for Change
Programme Director,
A/National Commissioner of Police and your team,
All men and women in blue,
Distinguished guests.
First, I would like to say Congratulations to the newly elected EXCO of the SAPS Women's Network and Men for Change!
On the 17th of May 2012, I was invited to the SAPS Men for Change Summit. This was almost four years ago.
Notwithstanding, at today's Re-Launch of the SAPS Women's Network and Men for Change, I want to begin with the words of a certain American Philosopher, that I ended with at that Summit:
"You can't be part of the solution until you understand how you are part of the problem".
These words are fundamental for whatever we want to achieve by re-launching these two SAPS Networks.
For, I asked the convener of this Re-Launch, Deputy National Commissioner, Lt General Mgwenya, the reasoning behind the SAPS "Re-Launching" of these Networks, and the following reasons were tabled to me:
To reignite the spirit of women to drive the transformation agenda for women empowerment.
The current National Executive Structure has exceeded its term in terms of current SAPS Women's Network's Constitution since 2010, and only one member is remaining as active in the Executive Structure.
SAPS Women's Network has shifted from its original mandate, as it is no longer monitoring progress on women's empowerment in the SAPS; and there is a minimal link between the Network and matters of SAPS employees' health and wellness programme.
With the above reasons, it is very obvious that there is a problem, otherwise, why did it take a whole 6 solid years to change the Executive Structure?
I submit to you that, the SAPS Top Management is a problem here for this impasse, but do you understand how you are problem?
Let me try to assist and show how you are the problem.
For example, I am informed that the Acting National Commissioner of Police has, on 26th March 2016, signed the 2016 SAPS Implementation Plan in line with the DPSA's Gender Quality and JobAccess Strategic Framework of the Public Service.
Yet, a month later, on 12th April 2016 to be precise, a circular was distributed to all SAPS Managers instructing them they "must not consult their 2016/2017 Employment Equity (EE) Implementation Plans until a workshop has been conducted" because "it was envisaged by the Department of Labour that the demographics as per National Census of 2011 may no longer be used for the setting of numeric targets".
For the Ministry of Police, this is precise how SAPS Top Management creates policy contradictions and confusion, which could result in National Government's Policy of 50%-50% gender representation, not being achieved within the South African Police Service.
My related question is two-fold: (i) How can SAPS circulate such a national instruction, without consulting the higher office (Ministry of Police/Secretariat) that deals with Government policy; and (ii) Did the SAPS consult the DPSA about its intention to deviate from the current National Employment Equity Plan? I am sure it is a "No"!
So, Programme Director, until SAPS policy prescripts and obligations are properly aligned with the National Frameworks of this Government, this Re-Launch will join a host of conferences that become talk-shops.
We must all understand that our democratic Constitution states that women's rights are human rights, and thus the rights of women are unalienable and inevitable.
Indeed, this re-launch would have been futile, if we had left out the SAPS Men for Change. We desperately need men to contribute to the discussions and the ultimate attainment of gender equality. Building gender equality and to prevent and combat gender-based violence cannot be a women's issue, but a human issue, which must then involve men and even boys.
As per our Constitution, we want to see our men and women in blue interconnected and related within a gender system. We must understand both women and men experiences of disempowerment.
Most importantly, this Re-Launch must be an opportunity for our men and women police officers to share their concerns and perspectives with each other in a structured and non-confrontational manner.
Programme Director, women must stop pulling other women down. For example, I get promoted to a higher position, I kick-down the ladder, and claim, "all women have been empowered". This pulling down syndrome is not right and it must stop.
Having said the above, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Ministry of Police does acknowledge the achieved milestones of these SAPS Networks, which necessitated us to announce this Re-Launch during our Budget Vote Debate last month.
Let the SAPS Networks continue to be more visible by being part of like-formations in law enforcement. Continue to be part of all community programs, like the August month activities; you are indeed doing very well.
We want you to continue with your visionary programmes in our rural communities.
But, as the Deputy National Commissioner Lt General Mgwenya has urged, let these two Networks also build confidence amongst police officers, and continue to champion the development of women to achieve gender equality.
I know you will do it, don't let this good collective efforts die/collapse under your leadership. Let us as leadership bring hope those young women in blue, and those under the public service act, who has just joined the South African Police Service.
Malibongwe!
I thank you all!
Issued by: South African Police Service