South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an audit of streets deemed unsafe for women, following the discovery of 12 women's bodies in just two months east of Johannesburg. This move is part of a national emergency response to the high rate of gender-based violence in the country. Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence globally.
The recent killings have sparked widespread fear and outrage across the nation. Ramaphosa stated that the government has not done enough to protect women and girls, and that gender-based violence cannot be accepted as a normal part of life. He emphasized that the problem begins with attitudes that regard women as inferior and that men have a right to control women.
Ramaphosa has instructed ministers to develop a plan for an enforcement package to reduce alcohol-related violence, which is a significant aggravating factor in interpersonal violence. He stressed that while alcohol does not cause gender-based violence, it must be addressed as part of the prevention effort. The president also called on men and boys to take the lead in ending gender-based violence.
Four arrests have been made so far in connection with the 12 women's deaths. Ramaphosa stated that the police have not found evidence establishing that the killings were committed by a single perpetrator. He announced that every municipality must conduct a women's safety audit to identify high-risk areas and address conditions that place women at risk.
The safety audits will focus on identifying broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, abandoned buildings, unsafe transport routes and facilities, poorly secured parks, and other conditions that make women vulnerable. Ramaphosa emphasized that a deeper change, beyond policing and legislation, is needed to reduce violence against women and girls.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates globally, with 5,427 people murdered between April and June this year. According to the South African Human Rights Commission, 569 women were killed and 1,052 others survived attempted murder between April and June this year. The commission's statistics highlight the urgent need for effective measures to address gender-based violence.
Ramaphosa concluded that the solution to violence against women cannot be to make women less free. He emphasized that men must take responsibility for their actions and that a change in attitude is necessary to prevent gender-based violence. The president's measures aim to address the root causes of violence against women and promote a culture of respect and equality.
Key points
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa orders audit of unsafe streets to protect women.
- Ramaphosa announces plans to reduce alcohol-related violence as part of national emergency response.
- South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence globally.
