Mrs Mantoa Malema’s statement accepting President Ramaphosa’s apology
21 February 2020
I write to acknowledge and confirm acceptance of your apology, on behalf of myself, my husband and my children. I also want to assure you that I am willing to put this matter aside and dismiss it as a thing of the past.
Having said this, Mr. President, it is important to place on record that in a country where women continue to wear black outfits, either mouming the death of their girl children or in solidarity with women who are victims of gender-based violence, Parliament should never be used to humiliate women, particularly using false and malicious accusations.
It should never be a platform where women are a weapon in an attempt to neutralise political opponents in a general masculine, toxic exchange. As I'm sure you would agree, this is an insult to all women, especially those who are victims of this scourge.
Members of Parliament, especially on your watch, should focus on how to fight gender-based violence and design ways that will fulfill true freedom for women in our country.