Share

Government fighting women abuse says 'people’s president' Zuma

accreditation
President Jacob Zuma (AP)
President Jacob Zuma (AP)

Johannesburg – Government is playing its part in fighting women abuse, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.

"South Africa must be safe for women and children on every corner," Zuma said at the National Women’s Day celebration in Galashewe in the Northern Cape.

The National Women’s Day is celebrated under the theme "The Year of OR Tambo: Women United in Moving South Africa Forward".

Zuma smiled as thousands of supporters clad in ANC regalia sang and chanted "Zuma, Zuma".

He told those in attendance that "on this day we salute generations of women leaders".

Serious challenges

However, he said while progress had been made in making the country a better place for women, the country was still facing serious challenges.

He said the country had recently witnessed incidents of the killing of women by men known to them.

Several children have also been attacked and killed, he said.

"These incidents have caused enormous pain and distress in the country."

Zuma said according to police, the biggest problem with policing such crimes was that they were done behind closed doors and in secluded areas.

"Another challenge is that victims have been known to withdraw cases in domestic violence and sexual offences where the offender is known to the victim."

Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini also took to the stage and sang Zuma's praises a day after he survived a vote of no confidence.

She commended Zuma  for being the "people’s president".

"You never want to pay revenge. Most of the time some of us get angry if you laugh and share jokes with those that don’t want you as a person,” she said.   

Zuma's full speech can be read below:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you believe that the various planned marches against load shedding will prompt government to bring solutions and resolve the power crisis?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes
21% - 103 votes
No
79% - 399 votes
Vote