Women, girls live in fear

THE killing of two schoolgirls in southern KwaZulu-Natal is a harsh reminder of the importance of protecting women and children and how far we have to go as a society when it comes to fighting the scourge of violence against them.

The DA is saddened by the latest event, which comes as we enter Women’s Month.

We hope that KZN’s law enforcement will do everything in its power to ensure the killer is brought to justice.

We also urge Nonhlanhla Khoza, KZN Social Development MEC, to provide every possible support to the families of the deceased during this difficult time and to ensure that both they and the learners at the school the girls attended receive psychosocial support.

Our women and girls live in constant fear of rape and murder.

This is a societal issue that requires all government departments to work together – rather than in silos – if we are to start finding solutions.

The DA has made numerous recommendations to KZN’s government when it comes to the safety and protection of our women and children.

These include providing more safe houses, increased education around personal safety and the deployment of additional SAPS manpower in order to prevent and solve such heinous crimes.

This Women’s Month cannot be just another item on the calendar. Instead, it must highlight the injustices women face daily and culminate in the government bringing about proper solutions in the fight for their protection and safety.

MMABATHO TEMBE, MPL DA KZN spokesperson on

social development