DURBAN - Did I hear President Cyril Ramaphosa say that “We want to make gender- based violence history”? I don’t believe him. Like the ANC manifesto, it must not become a Spes (hope) that political leaders who know where the vote bank is make soothing sounds and no more.
If he said the ANC promises to make gender-based violence history, I would have applauded, but the problem with what he said and what women and children wanted to hear raised at best eyebrows.
To those who applauded him, let’s take him at face value and believe him. What a wonderful promise from the ANC president that would be. Like the promises about job creation he made to the youth, who didn’t buy into them, I wouldn’t expect women to believe him. President Ramaphosa must walk the talk.
Even more exciting is the promise to create a safe and crime-free South Africa. When we have sincere and dedicated policemen and women being demotivated by criminals who have senior officials in their pocket, I think that only assertive action will make that promise achievable.
Right now, we civilians are hostage to all these and that is why I am sceptical vis-a-vis making gender-based violence history. Be that as it may, as a resident in the Newlands West township, I know I speak for most New-Westers when I thank the police for the wonderful work they are doing, despite the odds stacked against them.
We will not buy into political speakers who do not have solutions. Not any more. Maybe 2019 won’t be won on food parcels and cosmetic actions, Mr President. The party that has a concrete answer will have the mandate to take the country forward.