Ramaphosa Announces GBV Crackdown, But Will Black Women Finally See Justice?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally been forced to act. After the bodies of 11 women were discovered in Ekurhuleni since July, the president announced urgent measures to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). But for Black women who have borne the brunt of this crisis for decades, the question remains: why did it take this long?
Addressing the nation on Tuesday night, Ramaphosa acknowledged that government efforts have been insufficient. He announced four immediate measures, including a national review of stalled cases and a plan to clear forensic backlogs. Yet, as he himself admitted, this is a crisis we have faced before.
“The violence inflicted upon the women of South Africa is a source of profound pain and national shame,” he said. “The nation is angry. The women of South Africa are angry. Their anger is justified.”
Ekurhuleni Killings: A Painful Reminder of Our Failure
The discovery of 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni since July has sparked national outrage. Another body was found in Springs on Sunday. These are not just statistics; they are our mothers, daughters, and sisters. The president paid tribute to victims across the country, including 10-year-old Octavia Swarts from Kraaifontein and 15-year-old Amogelang Motshwaedi from Dinokana village.
Ramaphosa's words carried the weight of history. “Seven years ago, in this same month, I stood before the nation to speak about this same crisis,” he said. “Yet here we are, once more having to confront the terrible reality of violence against women in our country.”
What Are the Four New Measures to Fight GBV?
The president outlined a plan that, on paper, sounds promising. But we have heard promises before. The four measures are:
- National case-recovery operation: An audit of unresolved murders, rapes, and serious sexual offences against women and children, with recovery plans within 90 days.
- Reducing forensic backlogs: A funded plan to address staffing and equipment shortages, with priority processing for cases involving women and children.
- Municipal safety audits: Identifying high-risk areas like broken streetlights, overgrown spaces, and unsafe transport routes within 60 days.
- Alcohol-related violence package: A coordinated legislative and enforcement package to reduce alcohol-fueled violence.
These measures are welcome, but they must be implemented with urgency. The president directed that a consolidated public progress report be released within 90 days. We will be watching.
Investigations Intensified in Ekurhuleni
A specialised multidisciplinary investigation has been elevated to national level. Arrests have been made in some cases, including the killing of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo. Two suspects appeared in court for the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, and another is in custody for the killing of Busisiwe Mahlangu.
However, Ramaphosa was careful to note that police have not found evidence linking all 11 killings to a single perpetrator. “All possibilities remain under investigation,” he said. He assured families that “these cases will not be allowed to go cold.”
Government Admits Gaps in Support Services
While the president highlighted existing interventions like Sexual Offences Courts and Thuthuzela Care Centres, he admitted that institutions often fail survivors. “A woman who summons the courage to report abuse must not be turned away from a police station,” he said. “A woman seeking a protection order must not be sent from office to office.”
This is the reality for many Black women in townships and rural areas, where police stations are under-resourced and survivors are often re-traumatised by the system meant to protect them.
Violence Begins at Home: The Need to Change Men's Attitudes
Ramaphosa stressed that policing alone cannot solve this crisis. He cited a study by the South African Medical Research Council showing that more than 60% of women murdered in 2021 and 2022 were killed by an intimate partner.
“This is why prevention must begin in our homes,” he said. “It must begin with how we raise our sons; with what boys learn about girls, anger, rejection and consent.”
He directly challenged men to confront abusive behaviour. “Challenge the friend who humiliates his partner. Challenge the colleague who harasses women. Challenge the relative who abuses his wife or girlfriend. It is time for good men to stop being silent men.”
Will This Time Be Different?
Ramaphosa acknowledged that gender-based violence has been treated as a “women's problem to solve.” He said, “We cannot build a safer country by turning women into prisoners of precaution.”
As we approach the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the president's words must translate into action. He concluded with a powerful commitment: “Seven years from now, no President should have to stand before this nation and say these same words again.”
For the sake of every Black woman in South Africa, we must hold him to that promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the government doing about the Ekurhuleni killings?
A specialised national investigation team is working on the cases, with arrests already made in connection with some murders. The investigation includes detectives, forensic specialists, and digital investigators.
How can I report a missing person in South Africa?
There is no 24-hour waiting period. You should report a missing person immediately. Provide as much information as possible, including photographs, descriptions, and vehicle registration numbers.
What is a women's safety audit?
Municipalities will identify high-risk areas such as broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, and unsafe transport routes. The most urgent hazards must be addressed within 90 days of the audit's completion.
Where can survivors of GBV get help?
Survivors can access services at Thuthuzela Care Centres, police station GBV desks, and through the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The national GBV helpline is 0800 428 428.