BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a series of measures and directives to strengthen South Africa’s response to gender-based violence and femicide. The announcement came during a national address on September 29th evening, delivered in the wake of a series of killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni that have sparked widespread concern.
Since July, the bodies of 11 women have been discovered in the Ekurhuleni area. These discoveries have intensified public pressure on the government to take stronger action against the ongoing crisis of violence targeting women. Ramaphosa acknowledged that the recent killings underscore the urgent need for both government and society to do more to protect women and ensure their safety.
Among the key measures announced is a national review of unresolved gender-based violence and femicide cases. This review aims to identify gaps in investigations, improve case management, and accelerate justice for victims and their families. In addition, Ramaphosa directed that mandatory safety audits be conducted in municipalities across the country. These audits will assess the effectiveness of local safety measures, infrastructure, and policing strategies, with the goal of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities that place women at risk.
The President stressed that the fight against gender-based violence requires coordinated efforts beyond law enforcement. He called for greater involvement from communities, civil society, and all spheres of government to create safer environments and challenge the social norms that enable such violence. The measures form part of a broader government commitment to confront what has long been described as a national emergency.
Ramaphosa’s address comes at a time when public trust in the state’s ability to protect women is under strain. By prioritising the review of cold cases and enforcing municipal safety assessments, the government seeks to demonstrate tangible progress. Officials have indicated that further details on timelines and implementation will follow in the coming weeks as departments work to give effect to the directives. The focus remains on delivering results that restore confidence and provide greater protection for women across South Africa.
