The Department of Defence has expressed concern over the circulation of misleading and disparaging portrayals of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, on certain social media platforms.
The department described the portrayals, which falsely show the Motshekga as frail and reliant on a walking stick, as malicious attempts to undermine the dignity of her office.
“These portrayals, which attempt to present the minister as a very old woman incapable of walking without a walking stick, are false, malicious, and intended to undermine the dignity of the office.”
“This is pure sexism and misogyny which perpetuates contempt for woman in general in a country that prides itself on all laws that protect the rights of all, in particular women and children. It is very easy to insult, denigrate and disrespect women, a factor that is fuelling GVB whereas men in the same age category are never ridiculed and despised,” the department said in a statement.
The department said the portrayals were unacceptable and reflected a disregard for women, and rejected them outright.
It also confirmed that the minister remains in good health, is fully capable, and continues to carry out her constitutional responsibilities.
“The department finds these portrayals despicable, full of revulsion of women and dismisses such with the contempt that it deserves. It must be stated up front and in no certain terms that the Minister is well, in good health, with full faculties and continues to perform her duties diligently as required by the Constitution. Any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate falsification and an insult to the person of the Minister aimed at casting aspersions and misleading the public,” the department said.
Saturday Star