Ward 15 Councillor Thembinkosi Ngxangane to languish in Jail
Engcobo
By Staff Reporter
The involvement of respectable community leaders in incidents of gender-based violence is surely putting a spoke in the wheel of the fight against the scourge. This is evident in the recent sentencing of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Ward 15 Councilor Thembinkosi Ngxangane.
Even a statement by the local municipality welcoming his sentencing leaves much to be desired if gender-based violence comes from their own ranks. Civil society in South Africa has organized and mobilized marches and protests, tirelessly speaking out against the issue of violence against women, and yet the prolonged cycle of GBV continues.
The perpetrator has been handed an eight-year prison term for the assault of three women. This sentencing sends a strong and unequivocal message that acts of gender-based violence, especially those perpetrated by individuals in positions of authority and public trust, will not be tolerated.
Sivuyile Myeko, the Communications Manager at the Local Municipality said, “The judgment comes at a significant time for our nation as we celebrate Women’s Month, a period dedicated to honoring the strength and contributions of women across all spheres of society. It is therefore especially fitting that the justice system has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of women by ensuring accountability in this matter.
“The Municipality applauds the work of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies in ensuring that justice has been served. Gender-based violence remains a serious and pervasive issue within our communities, ad it is imperative that all such cases are dealt with swiftly and decisively.
“We call upon all stakeholders to work together to end this scourge and to ensure that all perpetrators, regardless of status or office, are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
According to Myeko, the Municipality is currently engaged in internal processes, in line with applicable legislative and disciplinary frameworks, to address this matter further. “We remain committed to upholding the principles of ethical leadership, accountability and the rule of law.”
Meanwhile, the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the Chris Hani Region welcomed the Councilors’ sentencing, labeling it a victory against GBV. Comrade Nosipho Papiyana, African National Congress Women’s League Regional Coordinator, told The Eastern Cape Messenger, “This judgment comes during Women’s Month, a time when we honor the legacy of the brave women of 1956 who stood against injustice. We continue to fight against the structural violence, patriarchy and impunity that continues to harm women and children across our country. While this sentencing is a welcome development, we are acutely aware that many perpetrators of similar offenses continue to walk free.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts in arresting and prosecuting all those who commit acts of gender-based violence, regardless of status or affiliation.”
The ANCWL further calls on the African National Congress and all its structures to apply the highest ethical standards in addressing internal disciplinary matters relating to gender-based violence. No person who brings the organization into disrepute through acts of violence against women should be shielded or tolerated.
