PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CONDEMS VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AS 'INHUMANE'
By: Neo Ntsele
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has urged immediate and intensified efforts to tackle gender-based violence and femicide, labelling the violence against women in the country as inhumane and intolerable.
In his address to the nation on Tuesday evening, Ramaphosa recognised the anger, fear, and frustration voiced by women nationwide, emphasising that society can no longer ignore violence against women.
He specifically urged men to take a more active role in addressing GBVF, highlighting that no man should remain silent when women face violence.
The President also prioritised stricter enforcement of liquor laws, urging provincial and municipal authorities to enhance the enforcement of existing regulations.
He stated that municipalities should reinforce by-laws targeting unlicensed liquor outlets as part of broader efforts to combat crime and violence in communities.
Ramaphosa further instructed the Minister of Police, the National Commissioner of Police, and relevant forensic authorities to create and present a funded plan within 60 days to address forensic backlogs in GBVF cases.
The forensic backlog has been a persistent issue in criminal investigations, with delays potentially impacting the progression of cases and access to justice for victims and survivors.
The President's intervention comes amid rising public concern about women's safety and increasing demands for stronger measures against gender-based violence perpetrators.
Ramaphosa stated that addressing GBVF requires a comprehensive societal response, involving the government, law enforcement, communities, and men.
However, for many women and survivors, the real test will be whether the announced commitments lead to quicker investigations, stronger enforcement, and genuine accountability.
The President's message was clear: violence against women must not be normalised, ignored, or allowed to persist.
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