The Commission for Gender Equality has accused African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament Boy Mamabolo and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema of politicising gender-based violence in Parliament.
During the State of the Nation Address parliamentary debate on Tuesday, Malema replied to gender-based violence allegations made by Mamabolo. Mamabolo claimed that Malema abused his wife. Malema, in turn, pointed the finger at President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa has in the past rejected as groundless the claim that he had abused his wife.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, the Commission for Gender Equality’s Javu Baloyi said: ‘The way the sensitive issue of gender-based violence played in Parliament was “disappointing”.’
Baloyi said: ‘We’re disappointed in the manner that the issue of gender-based violence was made light of in Parliament. We are traumatised every day because every phone call which comes, it could be a woman being beaten up or a child being raped.’
He added that the commission dealt with serious cases of gender-based violence every day.
‘Every day our lawyers are sitting with files and yet we have people sitting in Parliament in air-conditioned offices talking light of gender-based violence.’
Adding that the commission’s work was not being taken seriously, he said that Chapter 9 institutions should not be hampered.
‘We have been saying as a commission that it is incumbent upon politicians to help us ensure that the oaths they have signed [are honoured],’ he concluded.