10 December 2002
The Premier of Gauteng, Mbhazima Shilowa,
The Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad,
Deputy Minister of Justice, Cheryl Gillwald
The MEC for Public Safety, Nomvula Mokonyane,
The Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo,
Representatives of Government at all levels,
Members of the Community of Diepsloot,
I am truly happy to be part of this most memorable occasion for the people of Diepsloot and indeed the country as a whole.
We are meeting on an important day as we are celebrating three major events in one day: the end of the highly successful campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, International Human Rights Day and the launch of the Diepsloot Multi-Purpose Community Centre or One Stop Centre.
Today is also the Day of Commitments, the day on which we end the 16 days campaign and recommit ourselves to continuing the efforts of fighting the abuse of women and children.
More than 130 000 South Africans have made their voices heard by signing the pledge to combat violence directed at women and children, wherever it is occurs.
On the eve of the first day of the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, we drew thousands of South Africans to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to literally blow the whistle on the scourge of violence and abuse.
Since then, government has embarked on a massive awareness campaign among South Africans through several events, some of which were also highlighted on the international calendar.
These include the Human Counter event, which launched the campaign in full force and drew nearly 10 000 South Africans to the Union Buildings lawns in Pretoria on the 25th of November 2002. Corporate South Africa also threw its support behind the campaign through generous donations from campaign sponsors.
Most importantly, we sought to move beyond speaking to those who are already actively involved in the fight. This year we made an effort to start to speak to other constituencies such as men, schoolboys and traditional leaders.
This initiative was well captured in the various men's marches, for example the highly publicized men's march of the 30th of November. This we did because we are aware that the majority of South African men support the campaign against women and child abuse, and that they want to become actively involved in eradicating this scourge.
Ladies and gentlemen, we would also like to voice our gratitude to the mass media in our country, both print and electronic. Without their unwavering support, this campaign would not have been the success it has been. It would have been impossible to spread the message as far and wide as we have over the last 16 days.
We must also acknowledge the participation of civil society organizations in the campaign, through various formations. Such joint action on a matter of national importance indicates the common purpose of both government and non-governmental organizations, regarding ending the abuse of women and children.
As we enter the festive season, the challenge for all of us is to build on these efforts, and to ensure that the awareness turns into a change in behaviour in the perpetrators of abuse, the victims as well as neighbours, friends and family members who fail to report abuse to the authorities. We need to begin to take decisive action to ensure that our homes, work places, places of entertainment and actually every part of our country, is safe for women and children.
It is critical for us to remember this especially on International Human Rights Day like today, as we remind ourselves of the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution. Women and children, and indeed all South Africans, have a right to life and to living in a safe environment. If we work together, we can ensure that we enjoy these rights together.
On this Day of Commitments, as Government we are saying that we are rededicating ourselves to Eradicating violence against Women and Children, and invite you to join us in our efforts of strengthening efforts of eradicating violence.
Ladies and gentlemen, we also realised that in our efforts of eradicating violence and ensuring a better life, we need to bring services to areas that are normally deprived. Diepsloot has been identified as the area to hold today's event because there is a high rate of violence against women and children, it is an informal settlement, has been neglected in terms of government services and also has a high unemployment rate.
It was felt that a One Stop Centre would be a useful utility for this community, and residents were asked to identify services that would be beneficial to them.
The services to be provided at the Centre include municipal payments, housing applications, Metro Police service, Government Information, welfare services, postal services, safety and security, mobile court, labour information centre, HIV/AIDS education and local government customer care services.
Members of this community will therefore no longer have to travel long distances to access these services.
Government came up with the concept of One Stop Centres as we realised the need to bring government closer to the people, particularly those who are poor or far from major urban centres. The first One Stop Shop was established at Tombo in the Eastern Cape in December 1999.
Since then a successful rollout of MPCCs has occurred nationwide bringing the total to twenty-nine MPCCs around the country, in all provinces. The Diepsloot One Stop Shop brings the number to 30. Our aim is to have sixty MPCCs - at least one in every District and Metropolitan Municipality - in the country by the end of December 2003.
The availability of criminal justice services at the Diepsloot One Stop Centre, such as a police service centre and a mobile court will also meet the objectives of reducing crime levels, including crimes against women and children.
Compatriots, as we approach the festive season, let us celebrate the rights that are enshrined in our Constitution, and observe them. That means respecting the next person and their right to life, safety and security and dignity.
We should also remember that while the 16 days campaign may be ending today, the mission of ending violence against women and children is an ongoing one, which all of us should engage in, throughout the coming year and every other day, until we achieve our goals.
I wish you all a successful new year, and may all your dreams and wishes come true in the year 2003.
I thank you.