Women in the Eastern Cape lament neglect by government

Some women at Misgund in the Koukamma Municipality in the Eastern Cape say they feel let down by the government. They say crime is rife. This comes as the country marks Women’s Day.

One of the concerned residents, Charmaine Vena, says they have to travel through bushes to access the nearest clinic.

“We want our clinic to be moved to the community where everyone that needs them can use it. People walk through bushes to get to the clinic, which is very unsafe, especially for the elderly ladies,” Vena said.

Women’s Day | Economic empowerment vital for development

Meanwhile, speaking at the official Women’s Day commemoration in Pofadder in the Northern Cape, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government has to “create more jobs and other economic opportunities for women, so, they are less vulnerable to exploitation and abuse”.

“This is why we need to address the massive inequality in income between men and women,” added Ramaphosa.

Women’s Day | President Ramaphosa’s address: