South African church leader fronts anti-violence march

-26/11/06

Anglican Archbishop N


South African church leader fronts anti-violence march

-26/11/06

Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of Cape Town was among the leaders of thousands of South Africans who took to the streets on Saturday 25 November 2006, taking part in a colourful anti-violence march.

Demonstrations in the city and elsewhere marked the beginning of 16 days of activism particularly focussed on the rejection of male violence against women and children.

A large police contingent with a band and horses accompanied the march. In addition to Archbishop Ndungane, its high-profile participants included Cape Town mayor Helen Zille and Western Cape education minister Cameron Dugmore.

According to the Cape Argus newspaper, dozens of school children, many with banners, took part in the procession to the parliament building. There a pledge was handed over to deputy speaker of the House, Gwen Mhlangu, and deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Peggy Hollander.

The pledge called on all participants in society, including members of parliament, to intensify efforts in the struggle against violent crime and abuse.

Violence, including street attacks, robberies, drug-related crime, stabbings, shootings and domestic violence remains a major problem in South African society, not least among the young.

Experts say that the problem stems from the aftermath of the apartheid era, when thousands of people reared on political violence found themselves with nowhere to resolve or redirect their anger.

The Cape Town procession was at one time known as ìthe Men’s Marchî. However, Archbishop Ndungane, successor to the world famous Desmond Tutu, urged that it should be a march against violence for everybody.

The Anglican leader called violence ìa scourgeî which affected the whole country. He prayed for a change of heart in those who perpetuate, collude in and sanction it.

Mayor Helen Zille said that a key part of the struggle for a new culture of peace was to see violence against women and children ended. “The campaign must be 365 days a year, every year,” she declared.

25 November 2006 was an international day against violence against women, with events, processions and initiatives taking place in many parts of the world.


South African church leader fronts anti-violence march

-26/11/06

Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of Cape Town was among the leaders of thousands of South Africans who took to the streets on Saturday 25 November 2006, taking part in a colourful anti-violence march.

Demonstrations in the city and elsewhere marked the beginning of 16 days of activism particularly focussed on the rejection of male violence against women and children.

A large police contingent with a band and horses accompanied the march. In addition to Archbishop Ndungane, its high-profile participants included Cape Town mayor Helen Zille and Western Cape education minister Cameron Dugmore.

According to the Cape Argus newspaper, dozens of school children, many with banners, took part in the procession to the parliament building. There a pledge was handed over to deputy speaker of the House, Gwen Mhlangu, and deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Peggy Hollander.

The pledge called on all participants in society, including members of parliament, to intensify efforts in the struggle against violent crime and abuse.

Violence, including street attacks, robberies, drug-related crime, stabbings, shootings and domestic violence remains a major problem in South African society, not least among the young.

Experts say that the problem stems from the aftermath of the apartheid era, when thousands of people reared on political violence found themselves with nowhere to resolve or redirect their anger.

The Cape Town procession was at one time known as ìthe Men’s Marchî. However, Archbishop Ndungane, successor to the world famous Desmond Tutu, urged that it should be a march against violence for everybody.

The Anglican leader called violence ìa scourgeî which affected the whole country. He prayed for a change of heart in those who perpetuate, collude in and sanction it.

Mayor Helen Zille said that a key part of the struggle for a new culture of peace was to see violence against women and children ended. “The campaign must be 365 days a year, every year,” she declared.

25 November 2006 was an international day against violence against women, with events, processions and initiatives taking place in many parts of the world.