Call for a minute's silence in Parliament
2013-02-14 14:58
Cape Town - Non-governmental bodies have urged President
Jacob Zuma to observe a minute of silence for rape victims before his State of the
Nation speech on Thursday.
"This matter needs urgent attention. We appeal to
President Zuma to observe a minute of silence for the victims of rape and other
forms of violence," Sonke Gender Justice Network representative Micheline
Muzaneza said.
The non-governmental organisations, religious groups and the
Congress of SA Trade Unions met in Johannesburg to devise a programme of action
against rape and violence.
Section27 representative Thabang Pooe said her organisation
was developing guidelines for young rape victims, together with Lawyers Against
Abuse, an organisation that provides legal services to victims of gender-based
violence.
"We are concerned over the rape of pupils, especially
where a teacher is the alleged perpetrator. The guidelines on how to handle
such incidents would help education authorities and social workers alike."
Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the brutality
and violent nature of sexual assaults across the country was worrying.
"The violent nature of our society is of great
concern... this is not only about rape, but the brutality and extreme violence
that accompanies the crime."
He appealed to the organisations to fight rape and violence
with one voice.
Zuma's spokesperson Mac Maharaj said the president's door
was always open for anyone to make input.
"If the organisations want President Zuma to observe a
moment of silence for rape victims, they know the channels they have to
follow."
- SAPA
