On September 26, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt address to the nation, acknowledging the government's shortcomings in protecting women from gender-based violence and femicide. He described the violence as a source of "pain and national shame." Ramaphosa referenced his previous address in September 2019, following the murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, and emphasized that despite efforts, the crisis persists.
Ramaphosa highlighted the recent discovery of 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni since July, naming victims from across the country, including young girls and an elderly grandmother. He noted that there are likely more victims whose names are not yet known, lying in government mortuaries awaiting identification. The President stressed that women should not have to live in fear of being the next victim and that stronger measures are needed to prevent femicide.
The President acknowledged that policing alone will not end the crisis, stating, "We cannot police our way out of gender-based violence alone. We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis alone." He emphasized that the state needs to correct its failures towards women, including in policing, protection orders, forensic processing, and case handling. Ramaphosa outlined four interventions aimed at strengthening the state's response to gender-based violence.
The interventions include a national case-recovery operation, where the police and justice departments will audit unresolved murders, attempted murders, rapes, and serious sexual offences involving women and children within 60 days. Additionally, a plan will be developed to reduce forensic backlogs and establish turnaround standards for priority cases. Municipalities will also conduct women's safety audits to identify and address risks.
Ramaphosa announced that the government will develop a coordinated legislative and enforcement package to reduce alcohol-related violence, which can aggravate interpersonal violence. The Inter-Ministerial Committee and National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will monitor the measures, with progress reports due within 90 days and quarterly thereafter.
The President's address comes as the families of the Ekurhuleni killings victims are struggling to come to terms with their loved ones' deaths. Vincent Nxumalo, uncle of 49-year-old Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, one of the victims, appealed to Ramaphosa to do more to protect women. Nxumalo's alleged killer, Victor Matome Rampedi, appeared in court, facing a murder charge.
The SAPS has appointed a task team to investigate the murders, with police warning against speculating about a serial killer. The police have identified 10 of the 13 victims, with at least four reported missing before their bodies were found. The community is calling for stricter enforcement of trading hours and greater action to protect women.
Key points
- President Cyril Ramaphosa admits the government has failed women and vows action against gender-based violence and femicide.
- The President outlines four interventions to strengthen the state's response to gender-based violence.
- The government aims to reduce forensic backlogs and establish turnaround standards for priority cases.
