ANC Women’s League Calls for Open Talk on Death Penalty Amid Women’s Killings
Recent Violence Sparks Alarm
Ekurhuleni Discovery
The discovery of 12 women dead in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, has shocked the nation and highlighted the ongoing crisis of gender‑based violence and femicide. The killings have renewed fears for women’s safety across South Africa.
Prayer and Memorial Service
In response, the ANC Women’s League held a prayer and memorial service in Alberton on Sunday. Faith‑based organisations and churches joined the gathering to honour the victims and pray for an end to the violence.
Working Together, Not in Silos
Boitumelo Moiloa’s Message
League spokeswoman Boitumelo Moiloa stressed that tackling gender‑based violence requires a collective effort. “Working in silos is not going to help,” she told Newzroom Afrika, noting that the problem occurs daily and is worse than many had imagined.
Role of Churches and Communities
Moiloa urged churches and local communities to take a bigger share of responsibility, rather than leaving everything to the government. She pointed out that even those who feel safe at home can become victims, saying, “You wake up with a partner; you need to find that that partner wants to kill you or the partner can kill you.”
She believes churches, with their regular contact with large congregations, can help identify warning signs and support those at risk.
Defending the League’s Efforts
Marches and Funding Demands
The Women’s League has faced questions about its effectiveness, given its ties to the ruling ANC. Moiloa defended the group’s record, saying it has organised marches to the Union Buildings and to Treasury, demanding action and funding after gender‑based violence was declared a national crisis.
“We have even gone beyond to march to Treasury to say, even if a president is declaring this as a national disaster, you can’t declare it as a national disaster and not fund it,” she added.
Focusing on Boys and Men
Neglect of the Boy Child
Moiloa argued that preventing violence also means paying more attention to boys and young men, whom society has often overlooked. While programmes empower girls are widespread, similar support for boys is lacking.
She noted that many boys are told, “You must not cry. You must be strong,” which can bottle up emotions and later erupt in harmful behaviour.
Men’s Lounge Idea
To address this, she proposed creating “men’s lounges” where boys and men can sit with male social workers and talk openly about relationship and home challenges. Early intervention, she said, can stop unresolved anger from turning into violence.
Communities Raising Boys
Involving Uncles and Male Relatives
Moiloa called on families—especially uncles and other male relatives—to mentor boys when fathers are absent. She recalled a programme in the North West where boys revealed they turned to drugs because they longed for a relationship with their fathers.
Government Funding Needed
She urged the government to fund such mentoring initiatives and make them a core part of the national strategy against gender‑based violence. “Talking is cheap. It won’t do anything. But it must invest in that so that we nurture our boy children,” Moiloa said.
Death Penalty Debate
Mokonyane’s Reported Suggestion
Reports have surfaced that ANC first deputy secretary‑general Nomvula Mokonyane may have raised the idea of reinstating the death penalty. When asked about it, Moiloa said she had not heard Mokonyane make the remarks herself.
League’s Stance on Discussion
Nevertheless, Moiloa believes the issue should be part of a national conversation. “We, as the nation, must start talking about it. We must not run away from it. We must not shy away from it,” she said.
Weighing Options, Avoiding Wrongful Convictions
She acknowledged that the death penalty is not a guaranteed solution and warned about the risk of wrongful convictions. “Mind you, there are those who will frame others, because we know that these things do happen,” Moiloa noted.
Still, she argued that legal experts and society should examine all possible measures, including the death penalty, to curb the killings. “If indeed it wins the day, perhaps let’s discuss the modalities,” she concluded.
Conclusion
The ANC Women’s League is pushing for a united approach to South Africa’s gender‑based violence crisis. By strengthening community involvement, focusing on the emotional needs of boys, and opening a frank dialogue about all possible legal responses—including the death penalty—the league hopes to create safer environments for women and girls nationwide.
