ACTION SOCIETY PLEADS FOR 67 DAYS WITHOUT ABUSE FOR MANDELA DAY

A woman is killed every three hours in South Africa and over 110 cases of rape are reported daily. According to South Africa’s crime statistics released by the police in parliament on 12 September 2019 a total of 1,014 children were murdered from April 2018 to March 2019.

“Even though we know that these numbers do not even resemble the reality, the horrifying figures are disturbing! It comes as no surprise that more than 120,000 victims rang the national helpline for abused women and children — doubling the usual volumes of calls — within the first three weeks of lockdown,” says Daleen Gouws, spokesperson of Action Society.

In light of Mandela Day celebrated annually on 18 July, the civil rights organization pleads for 67 days without abuse. “Imagine this: 7,370 women won’t be raped and 200 children would not be murdered. We plead for your participation in this campaign that may change someone’s future.”

Two in five women are beaten by their partners. One in 15 women is murdered by someone they have a close relationship with. Minister of Police Bheki Cele makes an understatement by saying South Africa’s crime statistics are “not very rosy”.

“Interpol proclaims that it is estimated that a woman born in South Africa has a greater chance of being raped than learning to read. It is time to wake-up, South Africa!” Gouws says.

It is obvious that government lacks the will to enforce safety and security in SA. Citizens are obliged to join hands together to reinforce these civil rights and protect vulnerable parties. Action Society involves a group of professionals who actively work toward removing bad actors in our communities, mainly through legal means. The aim of their civil rights organisation is to change policies and act on behalf of those in need.
In June Action Society launched a “Know your neighbour” campaign, urging SA’s government to make the national register for sex offenders (NRSO) publicly available. It is unacceptable that the desires of sexual offenders to stay anonymous trump the right of a community to keep themself safe.

Action Society wants Mandela Day 2020 to acknowledge the abuse of children, women and elderly and educate others about the warning signs and how to report an incident to break the silence.

“Nelson Mandela began campaigning for human rights in 1942. His legacy was that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. However we know that we are stronger together,” Gouws concluded.