Text of a letter circulated by Bishop Thabo Makgoba, Bishop of Grahamstown, to:
The State President, c/o Mr Alan Pillay, Private Secretary
The Minister of Justice, c/o Ms R Makwane, Private Secretary
The General Council of the Bar of South Africa
The Chief Justice
The President of the South African Council of Churches
Lawyers for Human Rights Gender Project: Tizeta Wodajo
South African Press Association
Masimanyane Women’s Support Group
Parishes and Organisations of the Diocese of Grahamstown
Dear Friends
Respect
for the human rights of rape victims
I am writing at the request of the Department of Social Responsibility of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown, which has asked me to forward to you the attached Resolution, passed at their meeting on 14 March.
Yours in the service of Christ
+Thabo
Grahamstown
The Management Committee of the Department
of Social Responsibility of the Diocese of Grahamstown meeting on 14th March in
We believe in and work for Justice and Human Dignity. Both these core values, enshrined in our Constitution, appear to be victims in the present trial. The detailed examination of the accuser with regard to her life prior to the events of the trial and the minute medical detail are an affront to both real justice and Human Dignity.
We also express deep concern at the conduct of those outside the court building whose actions further humiliated the accuser, breached her right to privacy and dignity, and was an affront to those who were present to highlight injustice. The ongoing intimidation and denial of basic Human rights are alarming and could lead to a major denial of human dignity and justice on a wider front.
We also believe the processes at work within this trial are in real danger of closing the door on other people in similar situations coming forward to access justice and report incidences of abuse and rape.
We further note with concern the massive
silence of the political parties of the land, some youth Organisations, the
HIV/AIDS Organisations, many women’s Organisations and indeed most faith
communities of
We call on all who believe in Justice and human dignity to raise their voices against such conduct or acceptance thereof and for a true commitment to the cause of justice and human dignity for all.