The African National Congress(ANC) in the Eastern Cape has noted with dismay and utter disgust the reports and images circulated on social media of violence leveled against Premier’s Office staffer, Luntu Sokutu on a young woman early Sunday morning at an eatery in East London.
We are deeply concerned about this incident which mirrors despicable behaviour‚ more especially meted out by a person of his stature who is expected to champion the rights of women in the province‚ particularly within his constituency. What ever justification – no one has a right to abuse women‚ irrespective of position he holds in society, government or any organization. We applaud the Office of the Premier for responding quickly on the matter and place the staffer on leave pending investigation.
The ANC Eastern Cape strongly condemn any acts of violence against any person‚ more so women. Our Provincial Office led by the ANC Provincial Secretary, Cde Lulama Ngcukayitobi has been championing programs and campaigns in the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide for the past seven (7)months, conscientising staff and leadership on dangers of this scourge. We have put together a Provincial program to rally society in acknowledging that violence against women and children is not a government or criminal justice system problem, but a societal problem, and that failure to view it as such results in all efforts failing to eradicate this scourge in our communities.
We call on society at large to join hands in fighting all forms of violence directed at women and all forms of abuse. It is the responsibility of all members of the ANC including those in leadership to ensure that the rights of women are respected as equal citizens. That responsibility cannot be relegated to women alone. The struggle of women is a societal struggle and must be embraced by all.
We wish that the investigations and decisions of law enforcement institutions may be as swift, thorough and practicable as possible and leave no stone unturned.As a nation we must unambiguously affirm the rights of women to safety, freedom, justice and equality and send a clear message that as a country, we are united and resolute in our commitment to mercilessly fight this heinous pandemic against our women.
Issued by:
ANC EC Communications
Enquiries:
Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
Mobile No:0848439706/0849519924
