Ramaphosa announces four-point plan to tackle GBVF

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a four-point plan to tackle the high rate of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) that continues to afflict the country.

The President made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on steps to confront the issue.

Within 90 days, individual recovery plans must be in place for priority cases and cases that have stalled. Each plan must identify the outstanding action, the responsible official and the deadline for moving the case forward.

He says a funded plan must also be developed to reduce forensic case backlogs.

The plan must set out the size and age of the backlog, shortages of personnel and equipment, the resources required and the dates by which the backlog will be reduced. Priority forensic samples in cases involving the rape or murder of women and children must be ring-fenced for urgent processing. Progress against the turnaround standards must be reported publicly every quarter.

Ramaphosa has also directed that a plan be developed to reduce alcohol-related violence.

Alcohol does not cause gender-based violence and it can never excuse it. Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator.