Programme Director, Ms Kate Bapela,
IEC Chairperson, Mr Mosotho Moepya,
All Commissioners,
Political Party Leaders,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fellow South Africans,
We meet here today with heavy hearts in the wake of the many recent brutal and senseless killings of women, and councillor-candidates that have taken place across our nation.
On behalf of the African Christian Democratic Party, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to those families who have lost their precious daughters and mothers as a result of these attacks.
I also commit the ACDP to uphold the IEC Code of Conduct because we stand by it.
The ACDP will not use language that provokes violence because we know that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
Lastly, I want to appeal to my fellow political party leaders to respectfully urge their members and supporters not to chant “gwaza”, “gwaza”, as that creates a culture of fear and apprehension among our citizens.
They should also not chant provocative slogans such as “victory or death.”
Leaders must lead by example, speak peace, reconciliation and tolerance. We must do more to condemn violence in all its forms, particularly against our women, our children and the most vulnerable among us.
More must be done to ensure that South Africans are safe and protected.
I thank you.
