Reinstatement of PEC Member Accused of Raping Own Twin Daughters Shows GBV Not an ANC Priority

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly condemned the decision by the ANC in Mpumalanga, South Africa, to reinstate a Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member who has been accused of raping his own two twin daughters.

“This proves beyond reasonable doubt that the governing party does not take Gender-Based Violence (GBV) seriously,” said Annerie Weber MP – DA Women’s Network (DAWN) Chair in Mpumalanga – in a statement on Thursday.

The former MEC of Finance in the province is currently out on a R20 000 bail after he was arrested on Monday, 28 September 2020, over allegations that he and his stepson raped his 8-year old twin-daughters. Immediately after the arrest, the ANC suspended the former MEC from its PEC.

In a shocking turn of events, the ANC decided to reinstate the politician this week. The party has justified this decision by claiming that he has a right to participate in party activities while the ANC at national level is still busy dealing with the issue of asking members who are accused of corruption and serious criminal offences to step down.

“The DA views this decision as a complete disregard of the severity of these allegations as well as the dignity of his alleged victims. It is also a slap in the of all victims of GBV,” said Weber, accusing the ANC of only paying lip service to GBV concerns.

“By reinstating the PEC member the ANC has highlighted the failure of the party to combat the scourge of GBV within its own ranks…

“Instead of sending out a strong message that politicians must not use their positions in society to abuse young children and women, the ANC empowers a cadre accused of the most heinous of crimes.

“In order to combat GBV and femicide, a whole society approach is required which include government, law enforcement agencies, communities, civil society and political parties,” Weber said.

The DA has committed itself to end GBV not only during this 16 days of activism, but beyond, she said.

Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa has announced that a Bill on GBV, Femicide is expected in Parliament early next year.