Ramaphosa: Govt measures struggling to contain ‘deeply entrenched’ GBV
President Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that measures taken by the government to curb gender-based violence have had little impact.
Ramaphosa responded to MPs' questions in the National Assembly on Thursday.
According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele in May, in the first three months of 2023, 1,0512 women were raped, 1,485 attempted murders of women were reported, 969 women were killed, and over 15,000 women were assaulted.
Last month, Cele blamed underage drinking as one of the contributing factors to the high rate of gender-based violence in South Africa.
The minister said underage girls who consume alcohol are exposing themselves to criminal activities, such as sexual assault and harassment.
Cele was speaking at the national launch of the SAPS’ safer festive season operations in Khayelitsha.
The minister faced backlash for the remarks, with civil rights group #NotInMyName saying Cele merely perpetuated the belief that women are responsible for the crimes committed against them.
“The violence against women and children is a deeply entrenched problem in our country, and this continues despite the clear political commitment and several measures taken to combat it,” Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
“Our country has high levels of socio-economic inequality, which can lead to increased levels of violence, including gender-based violence,” said Ramaphosa.
“Cultural norms, patriarchal values and toxic masculinity continue to perpetuate GBV. We have embarked on several strategies to end violence against women. Critical among these is the work underway to improve the response of the criminal justice system to GBV with a focus on better training for our police officers”.
Ramaphosa said stiffer sentences are also being imposed on those who abuse women and children.
“The laws that we have enacted have led to increased sentences for offenders. They have also led to tighter bail and parole conditions and provided greater protection for women at risk of domestic violence.
“Through specialised units like the NPA Sexual Offences and Community Affairs unit, the state is securing more convictions and longer sentences for perpetrators of violence against women and children.”
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