ANCWL
By Thabo Mosia
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) has called for a comprehensive review of the parole system for sexual offenders, advocating for life sentences as the minimum penalty for rapists. This appeal was made during a march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
The march, led by ANCWL members and joined by political figures and gender-based violence activists, culminated in the handover of a memorandum to President Cyril Ramaphosa. This document outlined their demands for stricter sentencing and improved support for victims of gender-based violence.
In her address, ANCWL Secretary-General Nokuthula Nqaba clarified the league’s position: “We are being viewed as marching against our own government; it’s not true; we are not government; we are a political organisation that represents and champions the needs and plight of the women of this country.”
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, accepted the memorandum on behalf of President Ramaphosa. She expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised by the ANCWL.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula emphasized the significance of the march, stating, “The ANC Women’s League is not marching against itself. The ANCWL is not in parliament; it exists to ensure that women are organised, and today in one voice women are saying ‘Phansi nge GBVF Phansi!’”
He further highlighted the historical context, noting, “Today’s march led by the ANCWL is a reminder about the role women have played in our struggle for the liberation of our country. Today women are rightfully in leading roles!”
ANCWL President Sisisi Tolashe addressed the inadequacies of current protective measures, asserting that protection orders often fail to safeguard women effectively. She stressed the necessity of the march to compel the government to review and strengthen gender-based violence policies.
Lusanda Mafuna, ANCWL Johannesburg Deputy Convenor, identified substance abuse as a significant factor contributing to the perpetuation of gender-based violence. She called for comprehensive strategies to address this issue within the broader fight against GBV.
Faith Mazibuko, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, linked the day’s march to the legacy of the 1956 women’s march against pass laws. She underscored the ongoing struggle to end gender-based violence, stating that the current efforts are a continuation of the fight for women’s rights and safety.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also participated in the march, expressing concern over the persistent rise in GBV cases in the province. He highlighted the need for a robust justice system and candid discussions about the role of substance abuse in these crimes. Lesufi remarked, “Many other crimes are going down. It’s only gender-based violence that is very stubborn. It’s galloping and we need to be honest.”
He advocated for strengthening the justice system and addressing substance abuse, particularly alcohol, as critical steps in combating GBV. Lesufi acknowledged the economic importance of industries like alcohol but emphasized the necessity of confronting their negative societal impacts.
The ANCWL’s march and memorandum submission coincide with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, an international campaign running from 25 November to 10 December. This period is dedicated to raising awareness and galvanizing action to end violence against women and children worldwide.
Recent crime statistics in Gauteng have shown a troubling increase in reported rape and sexual assault cases. Between July and September 2024, the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit arrested 1,031 suspects for sexual offences. Of the 155 cases that went to court, 130 offenders were sentenced to a combined 27 life terms and 1,042 years’ imprisonment.
One notable case involved serial rapist Nkosinathi Emmanuel Phakathi, known as the ‘Benoni Serial Rapist,’ who was convicted on 148 counts, including 90 counts of rape and 43 counts of kidnapping. He was sentenced on 4 October 2024 to 42 life terms and an additional 791 years and six months imprisonment.
Despite these convictions, the ANCWL argues that the current parole system allows sexual offenders the possibility of early release, posing a continued threat to society. They advocate for life sentences without the possibility of parole for rapists, aiming to ensure that offenders are permanently removed from communities.
The league also highlighted the impact of budget cuts on support services for victims. Over the past decade, budget reductions for the Gauteng Social Development Department have decreased funding allocated to non-profit organisations, including shelters, from 2,500 to 1,600. This reduction has led to the closure of facilities like the shelter for women and children in Burgers Park, where the ANCWL began their march.
The ANCWL is calling for increased funding to these essential services to ensure that victims of gender-based violence have access to the support they need. They stress that adequate funding is crucial for the rehabilitation and protection of survivors, as well as for the prevention of further violence.
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) is calling for a review of the parole system for sexual offenders.
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