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Leader Bathabile Dlamini says the ANC needs to do more than just speak out against gender-based violence.
FILE: ANCWL President Bathabile Dlamini. Photo: Abigail Javier / EWN
JOHANNESBURG – While the African National Congress (ANC) in Mpumalanga on Thursday overturned its decision to reinstate a member accused of violation of its provincial executive committee (PEC), the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) criticized the provincial party for playing to politics with women’s bodies.
The ANC took a 180-degree turn on Thursday night, saying it had noticed the social unrest caused by what it described as “leaked internal discussions.”
The former MEC, who cannot be identified to protect his children, is accused of raping his two eight-year-old daughters. He is currently free on bail.
ANCWL President Bathabile Dlamini said that women’s bodies were being used in political battles.
“People use our bodies to [make] gentlemen’s agreements at the expense of women, ”Dlamini said.
Dlamini added that the party cannot afford to speak only about ending gender-based violence and must act.
“You can’t tell us in the [one] On the other hand, we are together in the fight against violence against women, children and femicide, while on the other hand we face a lack of action ”, he said.
• READ ALSO: Bail conditions relaxed for ANC member from Mpumalanga accused of raping his daughters
Previously, the PEC asked him to continue party activities, while the ANC at the national level dealt with the issue of telling members to step aside.
Following outrage from some within the ANC, Mpumalanga party secretary Lindi Ntshalintshali said the former MEC would remain suspended.
• READ ALSO: Mpumalanga ANC ‘insensitive’ for reinstating member accused of rape – Duarte
ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte said Eyewitness news on Thursday that outrage against the decision was justified.
“You are also a bit insensitive when you make the decision on the eve of the launch of the 16 Days of Activism. [Against Gender-based Violence]. He is saying to the ANC and the government: ‘One of their main objectives, we do not respect,’ “said Duarte.
Ntshalintshali said the party would now wait for the matter to be concluded in court before making further decisions in relation to the former MEC.
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