6 December 2005
It is with deep regret that the Deputy President of the ANC, Cde Jacob Zuma, has been charged today 6th December 2005 with rape.
The ANC WL notes that this incident has happened at a time when the world is making a statement on "NO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN" during this 16 days of activism.
Violation of the rights of women and children is an act that the ANC WL has historically and continuously campaigned against and committed itself to take a principled position in the interest of victims. Whilst respecting the rights of the perpetrator to be viewed as innocent until proven guilty, in this instance the ANC WL calls on both the state and society to act and provide the necessary support to the victim.
It is our responsibility as a women's organisation to raise the fact that irrespective of the nature of a relationship, a "NO from a woman means NO" and that has to be respected. Of serious concern is the "vulnerability" of the victim and the historical relations that both families had.
We are saddened by the fact that this incident implicates a leader that people have put confidence and trust in, and who has had the responsibility of leading the Moral Regeneration Movement, was convenor of the South African National Aids Council and also Deputy President of the ANC.
We call on the ANC to provide leadership to society in these trying times, we commit ourselves as the ANC WL to rally women of our country on a course that will ensure that justice prevails.
The struggle for the emancipation of women and prevention of abuse has to be intensified in all fronts without fear or hesitation.