Today, as we mark International Women’s Day, my thoughts are with the brave women who stand up against crime in our communities.
It is our women that walk the streets to keep gangsters out. In Delft, in Elsies River, in Bonteheuwel, and elsewhere, our women lead our Neighbourhood Watch initiatives.
It is our women that keep our children safe, and warm and fed, despite the odds.
It is our women who help our little ones to do their homework and excel at school, despite violence raging outside their doorsteps.
It is our women that juggle being excellent at their jobs, and excellent at running their households.
It is our women that stand up for what is right, when they see wrong, making our communities stronger.
The women in our lives play a huge role in determining the future we will have.
That is why each and every one of us, most especially men, must value and respect the women of our communities. The reality is often the opposite.
The recent annual crime statistics paint a grim picture. In this Province, 25 796 cases of domestic related crime were recorded. 4 744 cases of rape were reported. 370 women were murdered.
We need to take a hard look at ourselves as this reality cannot continue. Collectively, we need to address the violence our women are facing on a daily basis.
As the Western Cape Government, we are soon to launch ramped up support for Neighbourhood Watch structures, including more resources, more training and better communication systems.
As a community, we ask you to report instances of domestic violence, and to let your community know that you stand against the abuse of women.
We are also working hard to hold the national police to account for failing to address crime in our province, including crime against women.
The fact is, the national police service is broken – beset by infighting and corruption from top management down.
We need a police service that works with and for our communities to address the fears they face every day – with professionalism, with care, with integrity.
We need a provincial police service that ensures justice against those who harm our women.
Women are the protectors of our communities, and today we celebrate them for the role they play in making this a #SaferWesternCape.
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
(021) 483 3873 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)