Admin
18 Oct, 2018
Omotoso trial: Dauberman’s questioning is immoral and unethical
Since the start of the Tim Omotoso trial, the past few days have been nothing but the most unbearable time for women in South Africa. It is so overwhelming to witness the young and brave rape survivor, Cheryl Zondi being grilled in the manner that the defence Advocate Peter Daubermann did. In our view, his morals and ethics are questionable. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) views Daubermann as heartless and would do anything to promote the rape and abuse towards women. He seemingly has no conscience whatsoever. In as much as we respect the justice system, we believe that he crossed the line in so many ways with the questions he continued to ask Zondi. The victims have borne so much already; to be questioned as if they enjoyed what happened to them is not acceptable. Daubermann cannot be allowed to make fun of such an unfortunate situation. We commend Cheryl for her bravery and if we keep quiet about the manner in which she was treated in court we will be failing, not only her, but all the affected victims. UDEMWO rallies behind the Commission for Gender Equality’s decision to approach the judiciary and the General Council of the Bar regarding the unfair treatment of rape victims in court. This matter could have been handled better. UDEMWO strongly believes that many women will rather not report cases of abuse due to the treatment victims get in court. We continue to commend the bravery shown by all the witnesses in this case. We still maintain and believe that this case is strong enough for those involved to face the wrath of justice. We call upon the men in collar to show support to the victims in this case. The time has come that the wolves in sheep’s clothing be exposed. We have been calling upon our government to thoroughly screen these so-called men of God. This issue must be taken seriously. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
06 Oct, 2017
#NMURape: security on our university campuses needs urgent attention
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the arrest of a man suspected of having raped a female student, stabbing another and robbing them at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in the Eastern Cape. It is clear that campus security was compromised with the students being accosted in a lab at the NMU Second Avenue Campus. What is of great concern is that this horrendous incident happened hot on the heels of a hijacking, armed robbery, rape and murder of two NMU students in August 2017. Earlier this year, fellow students killed a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) final-year medical student. In other incidents, also at WSU, a student stabbed his roommate with a bread-knife (August), while a female student was gang-raped whilst a fellow student stripped of his clothes and robbed of his bank card on the premises (in September). Also in early 2017, the University of Zululand abandoned an internal investigation into two senior staff members implicated in the alleged rapes of a student, in three separate incidents. And these are just a few examples of campus crime in 2017 alone. Our institutions of learning have become a playground for rapists, murderers and criminals. There must be a better way of tightening security at our universities and other institutions of learning. It is the responsibility of university managements to ensure that our students are safe in their own spaces; in class, in-between classes and at residences. The Department of Higher Education, together with those in authority positions, must come clean and let parents and students know how they plan to address the scourge of rape and murder on our campuses. End
Admin
28 Mar, 2014
UDEMWO welcomes Kutumela sentence, but is it enough?
The United Democratic Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased to hear that Thato Kutumela has been sentenced to ten years for rape and 20 years for the murder of his 18-year-old pregnant ex-girlfriend. We are however disappointed that Kutumela’s sentences will run concurrently and hope that he will never be paroled. Our courts should mete out harsh sentences on the perpetrators of abuse and violence against women and children. UDEMWO believes that a zero-tolerance system should be employed to deter, punish and rehabilitate offenders whilst supporting the victims and their families; making sure that justice is served and their dignity restored. Our hearts go out to Zanele Khumalo’s parents and other loved ones. May her soul and that of her unborn child, rest in peace.
Admin
21 Jan, 2014
UDEMWO statement: Child rape: war on children
By Mrs Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General Child rape is totally out of hand. Following the recent reports of child rape cases across the country, another nine-year old girl was badly burnt, raped and left for dead in the Cape Flats. Earlier this month a 37-year old father was arrested and charged for raping his 17-year old daughter. These reports are shocking and serious measures must be taken to protect our children. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) advocates a zero tolerance system to punish, deter and rehabilitate offenders while supporting and restoring dignity and justice to victims. Just a month ago South Africa participated in the campaign 16 days of Activism, such launches hosted by the government are exorbitantly expensive, but there is no evidence that projects programme produces the results we would like to see, which is awareness, and change of attitude, that results in the protection of children and women Law enforcement, together with community leaders need to meet and devise strategies to fight these demons that haunts our communities and causing pain and grief to many South Africans.
