NATIONAL NEWS - In the hope that other victims of sexual abuse will be empowered to speak out, musician and former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson has opened a case of rape against South African Football Association boss Danny Jordaan.

Ferguson has alleged she was raped by Jordaan 24 years ago at a hotel in Port Elizabeth. This has since been denied by his lawyer, who has stated Jordaan will welcome criminal proceedings.

After laying the charge, Ferguson took to Facebook to motivate her decision.

“After many months of deep consideration, consultation and attempts to mediate according to principles of restorative justice as embodied by the Truth and Reconciliation process South Africa has followed, I have decided to lay a charge of rape against Danny Jordaan,” she wrote.

“I do this in the hope that other victims of sexual abuse will be empowered to speak out and act. I do this and ask for your support prayerful, in thought or action for all those affected by his sexual misconduct.

“I also am aware of the distress his family must be experiencing and express my sadness that they are inevitably affected.”

On her blog, jenniferkestisferguson. com, she describes her initial meeting with Jordaan.

“High and happy as the carpet toward our liberation was being rolled out and unexpectedly nominated to the ANC National Parliament, I was invited to sing at a dinner hosted by leading South African sports bodies and representative officials.

“As I recall, there were not many other women present. It was a successful performance and as I was leaving, a man struck up conversation with me.

Read more on the Caxto publication, The Citizen.