Madam Deputy Speaker, the IFP strongly aligns itself with the objectives of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The reason we do this is primarily because, in spite of the wonderful strides we have made as a country in moving away from the horrors of this country's apartheid past, and in spite of the strides we have made in embracing a culture of human rights and democracy, we note with regret that women and our children are still at the receiving end of violence, meted out to them by those who should be protecting them.
Even though this year is the 10th anniversary of this campaign, rampant and unforgivable violence against women and children is indeed a cause for us to hang our heads in shame. We recognise that the objectives of this campaign should not be confined to only 16 days, but should be pursued every day until the battle is won.
The campaign should be viewed as a means of pricking the consciences of our people so that they take up the fight to defeat this ugly phenomenon. We call on all the men and women of our country to join hands in defeating this demon which continues to corrode and blight the very soul of our nation. I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]