Hon Speaker, two weeks ago Precious Msibi, a female worker at a Mbombela wholesaler in Nelspruit, was made to strip naked in front of her colleagues, men and women, by her manager to prove that she was indeed a woman. This cruel and humiliating act has not only stripped Ms Msibi of her dignity and self-worth, but she is now without an income as well because the incident has left her too traumatised to return to her workplace.
This heart-rending and shocking story reveals that many South African women are still faced with abuse, not only at home, but at their workplaces as well. This inhuman act was in clear breach of our Constitution, which affords us all the right to dignity and human rights. This incident once again proves that, despite the efforts we have made with regard to women's rights in South Africa, and despite the focus on women's issues each year during Women's Month, much more must be done to protect our women and children.
The IFP welcomes Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant's strong condemnation of this incident. However, we are disappointed to learn that, despite the fact that Ms Msibi was assured by police that an arrest was imminent, nothing has happened. The IFP appeals to the authorities to deal swiftly and ruthlessly with those who show utter disdain for our Constitution and women's rights in general. I thank you.