President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that gender-based violence remains one of South Africa’s most urgent crises, as the country marks the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Citing the Human Sciences Research Council’s latest National GBV Study, Ramaphosa said more than 35% of South African women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly at the hands of intimate partners. He said the findings confirm the scale of a “second pandemic” that continues to devastate families, fuel trauma, and undermine social stability.
The government last month declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national disaster. Ramaphosa said the move will strengthen the mandates of key departments and speed up support for survivors. • quicker allocation of emergency resources• expanded access to shelters, safe spaces and counselling• enhanced monitoring and reporting• stronger oversight of government departments involved in the response All affected organs of state must now give the National Disaster Management Centre regular progress reports.
Ramaphosa said the SAPS and Justice Department have reported improvements in case management. This includes more victim-friendly rooms and specialised GBV desks at police stations, the establishment of a GBVF Information Centre in Pretoria, quicker evidence analysis with the NPA, and a new 24-hour protection order service. However, he acknowledged that implementation of the National Strategic Plan remains uneven across departments. Ramaphosa said prevention efforts will not succeed without directly involving men and boys.
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