Government will participate in the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children campaign from 25 November to 10 December 2021.
According to the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, who was addressing the media on outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, the United Nations campaign will heighten awareness of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country.
The 16 Days campaign forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.This year marks the 30th anniversary of the global 16 Days campaign.
In addition, Cabinet approved the submission of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill of 2021 to Parliament for processing.
According to the Minister, the proposed amendments provide for the mechanism to enforce the taking of buccal samples from cells on the inside of the person’s cheek from people convicted under Schedule 8 offences. The Schedule 8 offences include sexual offences, robbery, human trafficking and culpable homicide. “The collected buccal samples will facilitate future prosecutions for re-offenders,” said Gungubele.
Meanwhile, the Bill will also enable the establishment of a comprehensive forensic DNA database to strengthen the fight against crime by capacitating the police with evidence to investigate and solve serious crimes, the Minister said.
Read more here: https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-gears-16-days-activism