South Africa in a crisis of violence against women, says President Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa is in a “crisis of violence against women” and the government will take urgent action to address it, President Cyril Ramaphosa has said.

Speaking to the nation on Thursday, Ramaphosa acknowledged the “outrage” over the recent murders of several women, including a university student whose death sparked protests across the country.

We have established 92 dedicated sexual offences courts, but we need to do more. We will be reviewing our laws to ensure that they are more effective in dealing with gender-based violence.

Ramaphosa also promised 11 new courts, a review on cold cases and harsher penalties for perpetrators.

The president’s comments come after a week of protests in South Africa, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand action against gender-based violence.