By Thokozani Mazibuko
The scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Eswatini has raised concerns about its potential to deter investors, as highlighted by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane.
The Minister underscored the chilling effect of reports on the brutal murders of women on the investment climate in the country, emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating violence that threatens the safety and security of all citizens.
The Minister’s remarks came in response to a Motion raised by Mtsambama Member of Parliament, Sibongile Mamba, who called for decisive action to combat the alarming trend of GBV-related killings.
Mamba proposed piloting a Bill that would raise the minimum bail application for murder cases to above E200,000 as a deterrent to the growing incidence of violence against women, children, and men in Eswatini.
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“The proposal to increase the minimum bail application for murder cases serves as a bold step towards promoting accountability and deterring perpetrators from committing heinous acts of violence.
By imposing stricter financial penalties for bail applications in murder cases, the aim is to send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that the perpetrators will face significant consequences for their actions,” the Minister told Parliament.
Minister Prince Simelane told Parliament that this coming Friday that the Ministry would be engaging stakeholders where they will review the Criminal and Evidence Act of Eswatini and mentioned that he hopes the MP’s call would be met in this symposium.
It should be noted that the Minister’s recognition of the detrimental impact of gender-based violence on the investment climate underscores the interconnected nature of societal issues with broader economic implications.
In a global economy where investor confidence and stability are paramount, the prevalence of GBV and its associated risks can create a negative perception of a country’s safety and security environment, potentially dissuading potential investors from engaging in business activities.
It is worth mentioning that the correlation between GBV and the investment climate highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of violence and create a conducive environment for economic growth and development.
“By prioritizing the protection of women, children, and men from harm and advocating for stringent measures to combat GBV, Eswatini can demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights and promoting a safe and inclusive society for all,” the Minister pointed out.
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It should be noted that as Eswatini grapples with the devastating impact of gender-based violence on its communities and economy, the call for legislative interventions such as increasing bail application amounts for murder cases represents an initiative-taking step towards fostering a culture of accountability and justice.
Through collaborative efforts involving government officials, stakeholders, and civil society, the country can work towards implementing effective policies and mechanisms to prevent and address GBV effectively.
Moreover, according to the Minister, the proposed review of the Bill reflects a tangible commitment to addressing the urgent need for stronger measures to combat gender-based violence and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
“By raising the threshold for bail applications in murder cases, Eswatini aims to create a deterrent against violent crimes and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
In a society where the safety and well-being of all citizens are paramount, the Minister’s acknowledgement of the impact of GBV on the investment climate serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of violence against women, children, and men.
By prioritizing the protection of human rights and promoting a culture of zero tolerance for gender-based violence, Eswatini can pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all its inhabitants,” the Minister remarked.