EFF statement on the adoption of notice without motion of statutory rape by National Assembly
3 September 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) acknowledges and commends the National Assembly on the adoption of a critical notice without motion, introduced by EFF Member of Parliament, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, addressing the grave issue of statutory rape in South Africa.
The notice brings to the forefront the alarming crisis of statutory rape, highlighting the distressing reality where young girls are coerced into premature motherhood and adulthood. These victims, often unaware that they are being violated, are in urgent need of protection and justice.
It is particularly concerning that teachers and nurses, who are in direct contact with these young victims, fail to report these heinous crimes to law enforcement. This signifies a profound lapse in our social responsibility to protect our children.
Additionally, the notice rightly points out the ineffectiveness of the current oversight mechanisms by responsible authorities. It is imperative that these lapses are addressed promptly to prevent further violations and ensure justice for victims.