Minister for women in the presidency Bathabile Dlamini was among those attending Timothy Omotoso’s trial on Monday.
Dlamini, dressed in black, was flanked by communications minister Nomvula Mokonyane and Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle in the public gallery at the Port Elizabeth High Court.
Activist and singer Simphiwe Dana was also present.
“This is a turning point for everyone to ask themselves what they have done to protect women‚ especially the justice system‚” Dlamini said in a public address outside court.
Scores of Omotoso supporters from the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, who have gathered outside the court daily since the start of the trial, were once again present.
Dlamini said it was magnificent to see women united.
She said every woman, regardless of race, was affected by violence and women should not be divided.
“What is more painful now is that our children are involved and living with a conniving monster that is going to destroy them,” she said.
Dlamini urged people to work together to ensure justice was served.
“This is everyone’s battle to fight – we are obligated to stand together and fight the phenomenal violence against women,” she said.
Masualle said it was important for men to show solidarity and rise against women abuse in churches.
He said patriarchy had long been a problem and it needed both women and men to stand together to eradicate it.
“Not long ago, there was a church at Engcobo that had [alleged] dodgy dealings and also has qualities that it’s not a genuine church – therefore it should be dealt with accordingly so that we may have genuine churches in our society,” Masualle said.
ANC Youth League regional spokesperson Siviwe Ngoba, 24, said: “A church is not a place for sex.
“We send our children to church not for sex but for religious reasons.”
He said the league would continue to show support until the case was over.
JDI leader Pastor Osuagwu Chuks said Omotoso’s case should be treated fairly.
“It is within the constitution that one is innocent until proven guilty,” Chuks said.
“All this gathering [outside the court] is just politically motivated and unconstitutional.”