Nosicelo Tsipa murder case

Dear Cape Town

Today the Democratic Alliance Women’s Network (DAWN) attended the Bellville Magistrate’s Court hearing of the accused in the murder of Nosicelo Tsipa.

On the eve of 16 Days of Activism, South African women still do not enjoy full constitutional rights and freedoms, because we are forced into shelter and protection from violence and abuse, kept behind security doors and panic buttons. We continue to be forced to live in fear.

But enough is enough! We say it is the end of South African women remaining imprisoned at home. Our fundamental paper right to equality is not being realized.

Today we came to court, and we marched for gender justice. Our country has one of the best constitutions in the world, but government struggles to translate the paper rights of our constitution into real rights for South African women. We have the highest rape rate in the world (one in three daily), the incidence of femicide is high (four women are murdered by their intimate partners daily in South Africa) and gender-based violence is out of control.

We condemn President Ramaphosa’s luke-warm approach in handling Gender Based Violence and Femicide cases. While he holds endless talk-shops, it cannot be that cases drag for years before they come to court, the fact that perpetrators still roam the streets is another form of violation – justice delayed is justice denied.And while the criminal justice system keeps failing, almost nothing is done to change the culture of a society that looks away when women and children are abused and violated.

In commemorating the 16 Days of Activism we remember women who have died violently in South Africa. Your lives, and deaths, matter to us.

Today we specifically remember:

1. Nosicelo Tsipa,
2. Janika Mallo,
3. Tasne van Wyk
4. Sibusiso Dakuse and
5. Megan Cremer

We pledge to keep your names alive and to strive for a society where women no longer have to live in fear.

I appeal to South Africans that for the sake of women everywhere, if you know somebody who has committed an act of violence against a woman Don’t Look Away.

If you know that a woman’s life is in danger, Don’t Look Away.

If you are able to help prevent another tragedy, Don’t Look Away.

Don’t Look Away!

DAWN is contributing to building a rights-based, safe, non-violent South Africa. Join us on this path, and play your part for a safe South Africa.

Regards

Dr Nomafrench Mbombo
DA Women’s Network Leader