Chairperson, I am covered and I want to congratulate the Minister on having intervened in the way that she has. Thank you very much.
Status and terms of reference of National Council Against Gender-Based Violence
290. Mrs G K Tseke (ANC) asked the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities:
(1) (a) What is the status of the National Council Against Gender- Based Violence that she announced in August 2012, (b) why was the council not launched in August, as had been announced and (c) by what date does she envisage the council to be launched; (2) what are the terms of reference of the council? NO3369E
The MINISTER OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Chairperson ...
...uyayikhumbula kuba akukho women's league kule ndawo ukuyo, uhleli kabuhlungu kuyabanda, amaqhekeza engqele ayakutya. [... remember that there is no women's league where you are seated; you are seated there uncomfortably, feeling the cold.]
Following Cabinet approval on 5 December 2011, the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities began the process to watch the establishment of the National Council Against Gender-Based Violence. National consultative meetings including both government and civil society at all levels of government were convened to explore the scope of focus of the council and its establishment. The proposed establishment of the council was debated in a series of National Gender Machinery meetings.
This process was followed by the national consultative meeting, specifically called with regard to gender-based violence. This meeting was inclusive of organisations from provinces and local municipalities. The outcome of the consultation gave birth to the establishment of the interim council. There was general agreement that there is an urgent need to establish the council. The interim council, comprising departments from the Justice and Crime Prevention Cluster, including education, health and social development, was established and representatives were nominated based on the mandate of the departments and the organisations earmarked to serve on the council.
Also, provinces sent their representatives to the council. The secretariat is sitting within the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities. The interim council is inclusive of civil society, members who are working in the area of gender-based violence, women's organisations, men's organisations, religious and traditional groupings. The launch of the council will take place when all the nominated members have been vetted. We had planned to launch in August, but received advice from the Presidency that it is important that we vet all council members so that we don't make a mistake and get paedophiles,for example, as members of the council. We are therefore planning to launch the council during the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children. I thank you, Chairperson.