A case has been opened against a pastor who allegedly sexually assaulted a 26-year-old intern volunteering with the Moral Regeneration Programme.
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THE MORAL Regeneration Movement (MRM) national office has expressed its full support for the 26-year-old volunteer from the Moral Regeneration Programme (MRP) who laid charges of sexual assault against a religious leader affiliated with the programme in the Office of the Premier in Kimberley.
MRM national communications co-ordinator Busi Msimango described the allegations of sexual misconduct as deeply concerning.
“Although the individual in question is not a member of the MRM, the proximity and shared values between the MRM and MRP make these allegations particularly alarming to our movement. The MRM affirms its commitment to moral leadership and the protection of vulnerable individuals from abuse, especially within structures intended to uphold moral and ethical standards,” she said.
Msimango commended the young woman for being “brave enough” to report the alleged misconduct.
“Her courage in speaking out is both commendable and vital in the fight against gender-based violence and exploitation.”
She added that MRM chief operations officer Seth Mazibuko would meet with the convener of the MRM Northern Cape Task Team, Dr Fatima Malo, to co-ordinate support for the complainant.
“We will ensure that she receives the necessary legal, emotional and institutional support throughout the process. The MRM will also assist the survivor in lodging a formal complaint with the Office of the Premier, enabling institutional accountability.”
Msimango noted that the MRM in the Northern Cape, in partnership with Women Waging War Against GBVF, would closely monitor the matter to ensure the case proceeds in a fair and “victim-centred manner”.
“The MRM awaits direction from the Office of the Premier, ‘Moral Regeneration Programme’ on how they intend to address the matter concerning the alleged perpetrator, who is employed under their programme and is not a member or employee of MRM.
“This incident, occurring within a structure intended to promote morality, calls for urgent, transparent, and decisive action. We cannot tolerate silence or inaction in the face of such allegations.
“As the Moral Regeneration Movement, we are committed to defending the dignity of all individuals, especially those targeted by abuse and exploitation under the guise of moral or spiritual leadership,” Msimango said.
She called upon government structures, civil society, and moral leaders to hold accountable those who violate the trust placed in them and to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups across all sectors.