Rapper Chris Brown. Picture: Scott Roth/AP
Published Nov 26, 2024
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The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November to 10 December.
In South Africa, plagued by reprehensible levels of misogyny and gender-based violence, Government asks us all to play our part:
• Reject and report abusers – Act and don’t look away!
• Do not protect abusers, report them!
• Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, however, is not playing his part.
He hasn’t even bothered to respond to multiple requests from the GOOD Party that he reject the visa application of convicted US R&B artist, Chris Brown. Rather than reject this abuser, Schreiber prefers to look away.
We know that banning Brown won’t be popular with South Africans, but if Schreiber gives a damn about women he will declare United States R&B artist Chris Brown an ‘undesirable person’ in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act.
Brown pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assault and was sentenced to five years’ probation and 180 days of community labour in a plea agreement. He was later sentenced to 131 days in prison for violation of his probation, without the alternative of a fine.
South Africa’s Immigration Act provides that a person “with previous criminal convictions without the option of a fine for conduct which would be an offence in the Republic…” is undesirable.
Schreiber therefore has the tool to act, but lacks the spine to use it.
Over the past month, our emails to the Minister and his minders have failed to elicit a response. He instead appears intent on rolling out the red carpet for Brown to perform two concerts in Johannesburg – the week after 16 Days of Activism ends.
Government expends much energy talking up its commitment to eradicate gender-based violence.
Regardless of his personal views on these matters, Schreiber, as a Government Minister, must walk the talk.
* Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary-General.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
Cape Argus
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