Media Release

The rate of the killing and physical abuse of women in South Africa has made this country the shame of the world – the place where to be born a woman is to be born into the prospect of living with molestation; the stripping of your dignity; and the real possibility that your life may end vio-lently at the hands of someone who has claimed to love you, not as a free human being created in the image of a free God; but as a possession of an inferior value to be owned, controlled and treated with impunity – just as the man feels like. The South African Council of Churches joins the government, civil society and the rest of South Africa in the 100 Person March against gen-der-based violence. The government call is for groups of 100 men; we endorse that, but would certainly encourage groups of 100 women, or groups of men and women of conscience to bring greater gravitas to this campaign.

We all know a woman who is either living a life of fear under bullying; or whose dignity is and has been violated. We know that even church people and some pastors are perpetrators of such reprehensible acts. Such conduct is a shame and an abomination in society – akwenziwa lokhu! In the various parts of the country, let us honour this day by observing a moment of silence at noon tomorrow – July 10, when the march arrives at the Union Buildings. Let us seek to exorcise our society of this evil plague!
Down with violence, rape and the killing of women!
Down with the molestation, rape and the killing of children!
Down with all that diminishes the dignity of the human person – simply because she is female!

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For media queries contact:
Moagisi Sibanda
Director: Communications and Programmes
Email: moagisi@sacc.org.za
Tel: +27 (0)82 295 1581