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

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a comprehensive four-point plan aimed at addressing the escalating crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. The strategy, unveiled in response to a recent surge in violent crimes against women, seeks to integrate efforts across various government departments and tiers of administration.

The plan focuses on strengthening the criminal justice system, improving forensic services, and enhancing the role of municipalities in creating safer environments for citizens. Central to this initiative is a commitment to increased resource allocation, with the President instructing departments to present funded implementation plans to reduce forensic backlogs.

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.

In addition to structural and financial interventions, President Ramaphosa issued a direct appeal to the men and boys of South Africa to take an active role in combating the scourge. He urged citizens to challenge abusive behavior among peers, colleagues, and relatives, emphasizing that the fight against gender-based violence requires a collective societal effort rather than relying solely on law enforcement.