Legislation: Parliament seeks public input on statutory rape

CHILD rights groups, activists and communities are expected to voice their views on statutory rape of young girls when making submissions to review existing legislation with an aim of amending the law where necessary.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

The Parliamentary-drives inquiry is part of a broader effort stemming from a National Assembly resolution passed in July, designed to revive discussions that began in the previous term when the EFF first introduced the motion last year. In public hearings and stakeholder engagements held on Friday and Saturday in Gauteng, representatives from various sectors came together to confront the grim realities faced by young girls coerced into premature adulthood.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons With Disabilities, Liezl van der Merwe, expressed urgent concerns, saying many young victims of statutory rape remain unaware of being forced into motherhood and adulthood prematurely.