Cyril Ramaphosa unveils 4-point plan to tackle gender-based violence

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially unveiled a comprehensive four-point plan aimed at curbing the escalating scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) across South Africa. The announcement follows a series of high-profile incidents that have sparked national outrage and calls for more decisive government action.

The strategy focuses on strengthening the criminal justice system, enhancing forensic services, increasing municipal involvement in community safety, and ensuring the allocation of necessary resources to support victims and survivors. Ramaphosa emphasized that while law enforcement is a critical component, the crisis requires a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses the root causes of violence.

We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis alone. And we cannot wait until a woman is murdered before the State intervenes. Our task must be to prevent the violence before it happens. It is time for good men to stop being silent men.

As part of the plan, the President has instructed government departments to present funded implementation strategies to address existing forensic backlogs. Furthermore, he committed to providing additional financial resources in the upcoming mid-term budget to bolster the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units.