View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]


** PRESS RELEASE
------------------------------------------------------------


** Sonke Gender Justice appalled to learn about the alleged sexually harassment allegations levelled against Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana
------------------------------------------------------------


** For Immediate Release
------------------------------------------------------------

Enock Godongwana is the latest prominent political figure to face sexual misconduct allegations. The minister allegedly sexually abused a massage therapist at Kruger National Park, according to reports ([link removed]) .

Sonke Gender Justice is outraged by allegations of sexual harassment allegedly committed by South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enock Godongwana. The allegations are incredibly disheartening and should be taken seriously, especially in our socioeconomic context, which is characterised by high levels of violence against women and abuse and children.

There has been a pattern or history of prominent political or public leaders using their positions of power to abuse women and girls. Albert Fritz of Democratic Alliance ([link removed]) was also implicated in the sexual misconduct lawsuit earlier this year, so this is one of many horrific examples. In light of this, we must hold leaders and others in positions of power accountable in order to prevent this type of behaviour from occurring again especially given the high levels of sexual offences in our country.

We note that Minister Godongwana has since denied the allegations. We are deeply disturbed however and demand a thorough, speedy and independent investigation. The government must act swiftly on this issue and send a clear message that such behaviour is not acceptable especially in the light of the GBVF-NSP policy and Related commitments.

“It is concerning when such reports come to the fore given the high levels of GBV already in our country. There is a greater expectation by society that leaders will maintain high moral standards as demanded by their offices to ensure that they lead society away from toxic masculine behavior. We hope that if a prima facie case is made on this matter the President will do the honorable thing and ensure that this minister is fully held accountable”, says Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice.

We strongly support survivors and victims who speak out against various forms of abuse and encourage others to speak out when confronted with similar forms of abuse. We are aware that South Africa has a problem with under-reporting for a variety of reasons, including fear of retaliation, shame, or a lack of belief that anything will be done. Hence, it is crucial to believe those who come forward and take such cases seriously.


** Media enquiries
------------------------------------------------------------

Bafana Khumalo
Co-Executive Director, and Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
082 -578-4479.


** Notes to editors
------------------------------------------------------------

Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation.
Visit Sonke ([link removed])

============================================================
** Share ([link removed])
** Share ([link removed])
** Tweet ([link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2F6d765fa6c4c4%2Fsonke-gender-justice-appalled-to-learn-about-the-alleged-sexually-harassment-allegations-levelled-against-finance-minister-enoch-godongwana)
** Tweet ([link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2F6d765fa6c4c4%2Fsonke-gender-justice-appalled-to-learn-about-the-alleged-sexually-harassment-allegations-levelled-against-finance-minister-enoch-godongwana)
** Forward ([link removed])
** Forward ([link removed])
Copyright © 2022 Sonke Gender Justice, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you subscribed via our website or requested your address to be added to our mailing list.

Our mailing address is:
Sonke Gender Justice
122 Longmarket Street
Cape Town, Western Cape 8001
South Africa
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.