President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a comprehensive plan to tackle the escalating issue of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. The announcement comes amid widespread outrage following the discovery of multiple bodies of women across the Ekurhuleni municipality over the past two months. Ramaphosa acknowledged that the government has failed women, who continue to experience violence, and described the situation as "a source of profound pain and national shame".
Ramaphosa revealed that 50,511 GBVF cases were registered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the 2025/26 financial year, with 30,736 resulting in arrests or referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority. He emphasized that despite years of addressing the issue, the crisis persists, and the government must do better to prevent women from being killed and make them safe in their homes, streets, and public spaces.
The President has instructed his cabinet ministers, provincial governments, municipalities, and other state entities to take immediate action. Within 60 days, an audit must be conducted to identify the number of unresolved crimes against women and children. Additionally, the Police Minister, national police commissioner, and relevant forensic authorities must produce a funded plan to reduce forensic backlogs, prioritizing cases involving the rape or murder of women and children.
Every municipality has been instructed to begin a women's safety audit, working with provincial governments and the police to identify high-risk areas. The audits must identify broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, abandoned buildings, unsafe transport routes, and poorly secured parks. This initiative aims to address the vulnerability of women in public spaces, particularly in areas where authorities are investigating the deaths of women.
Ramaphosa has also called for provincial and municipal authorities to intensify enforcement of existing liquor laws and bylaws, particularly against unlicensed outlets and establishments trading outside their permitted hours. This move is part of a broader effort to address the root causes of GBVF and create a safer environment for women.
The President has directed the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition to submit a coordinated legislative and enforcement package to Cabinet within 60 days. This package will be developed in collaboration with ministers responsible for health, social development, police, and cooperative governance. The goal is to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing GBVF, including legislative and enforcement measures.
The South African government faces a critical challenge in addressing GBVF, and Ramaphosa's plan represents a commitment to taking concrete steps to combat the issue. The success of these measures will depend on effective implementation and coordination among government agencies, provincial governments, and municipalities. Key initiatives include conducting audits of unresolved crimes, reducing forensic backlogs, and enhancing women's safety in public spaces.
Key points
- President Ramaphosa announces a comprehensive plan to address GBVF in South Africa
- The government aims to reduce forensic backlogs and prioritize cases involving women and children
- Municipalities will conduct women's safety audits to identify high-risk areas and address vulnerabilities
