The Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi and Commissioners Lulama Nare and Sylvia Stevens-Maziya will go on an oversight visit tomorrow at the Johannesburg High Court as part of awareness raising against the scourge of gender-based violence and rape of women and children that is reaching alarming rates. It is envisaged that the Commissioners will observe the manner in which the perpetrator and victim[s] are treated by the criminal justice system, the support structures in place which would encourage victims to come forward and prosecute perpetrators effectively, and identify practical steps that need to be taken to assist victims of sexual offences in the event that shortcomings are observed.  In part, this mission is intended to offer solidarity to the victims of rape, particularly those that allegedly suffered at the hands of the Sunday rapist and other rapists and those that who may not have come forward for fear of retribution.

Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)

Date:   01 August 2012

Contact Person: Javu Baloyi

Tel: 083 579 3306

The Commission for Gender Equality is established in terms of Section 187 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in order to promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality.