President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a four-point plan – four immediate measures – to tackle the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in the country.
The President addressed the nation on Tuesday to offer insights into the investigation progess of the Ekurhuleni murders, along with a strategy to fight GBVF.
These are the four steps of the plan:
1. National Case-Recovery Operation for Unresolved GBV Cases
The President has tasked various aspects of government to focus on unresolved cases of murder, attempted murder, rape and serious sexual offences involving women and children.
The Minister of Police, along with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, and the SAPS are repsonsible for this audit.
They have been given the following deadlines:
- Within 60 days: Conduct a national audit to identify unresolved cases, delayed prosecutions, missing forensic evidence, and unexecuted arrests.
- Within 90 days: Establish individual recovery plans for priority and stalled cases, specifying the outstanding action, responsible officials and deadlines.
2. Forensic Backlog Reduction Plan
Additionally, Ramaphosa tasked the National Commissioner of Police and the relevant forensic authorities to present a plan to reduce forensic backlogs.
They are also expected to specifically ring-fence priority samples involving violence against women and children.
Their deadlines are:
- Within 60 days: Present a funded plan identifying personnel or equipment shortages, required resources, and clear turnaround standards.
- Ongoing: Publicly report progress against these turnaround standards every quarter.
3. Municipal Women’s Safety Audits and Local Infrastructure Upgrades
A women’s safety audit must begin without delay. The President said high risk areas must be identified through collaboration with local government and the police.
Important deadlines and actions:
- Within 60 days: Identify high-risk infrastructure hazards (broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, abandoned buildings, unsafe transport routes, poorly secured parks).
- Within 90 days of completion: Address urgent hazards or incorporate them into funded plans with clear completion dates, alongside public progress reporting and stricter liquor law enforcement.
Provincial and municipal authorities must intensify their enforcement of existing liquor laws and by-laws. A special focus must be placed on unlicensed establishments.
4. Legislative and Enforcement Efforts Against Alcohol-Related Violence
The President has also ordered a coordinated legislative and enforcement package to reduce alcohol-related violence.
“Alcohol does not cause gender-based violence and it can never excuse it. Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that harmful alcohol use is a “significant aggravating factor” when it comes to violence.
Important deadlines and actions:
- Within 60 days: Submit a comprehensive legislative and enforcement proposal to Cabinet to reduce alcohol-fuelled cases of GBV.
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