Cape Town - When it comes to violent crimes against women and children, the Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) needs to look at what is working, what is not working and what is needed to make a difference.
These were the words of president Cyril Ramaphosa, as he admitted that despite numerous plans put in place by the government and civil society to end the scourge, brutal acts of violence against women and children continue.
The meeting at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Tuesday was exactly four years to the day since a pledge was made to work together to end the violence that men perpetrate against women and children in South Africa.
Ramaphosa said: “We agreed to develop a National Strategic Plan to guide our national response, to co-ordinate the various sectors involved in the fight against GBV, to strengthen the state’s response, and to align the efforts of government, the private sector and civil society.”
He said their first step was the development of a GBVF Emergency Response Action Plan in 2019.
That was followed by the release in April 2020 of the National Strategic Plan, which had been carefully drawn up together with civil society.
“Yet despite our efforts, violence against women and children continues unabated in our country.
Data from the SAPS shows that sexual offences and rape increased by 13% between 2017/18 and 2021/22,” Ramaphosa said.
Between the first quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022 there was a 52% increase in the murder of women, and 46% increase in the number of children murdered.
“Since the rape and murder of 19-year-old Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019 sparked mass marches around the country, there have been many more women killed by men.
“Since then, the nation has been horrified by the brutal violence that took the lives of Tshegofatso Pule, Nosicelo Mtebeni, Hillary Gardee, Namhla Mtwa, Dimpho Skelenge and many other women.
“Innocents like Asithandile Same, Tshimologo Lotshabeng, Tazne van Wyk and Reagan Gertse have fallen victim to heartless criminals,” the president said.
Ramaphosa said just as the country was reeling from the news of the gang rape of a group of women in Krugersdorp, the country was confronted with the news of the murder of 4-year-old Bokgabo Poo, who was dismembered and her body parts thrown into a field.
“These horrors defy comprehension. There are really no words for them.”
Ramaphosa said all horrendous crimes told deeply disturbing stories about SA society.
He urged the summit to review some of the action plans adopted and to act with speed to deal with the perpetrators.
“In January this year, I signed into law three key pieces of legislation, namely the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act.
“These new laws afford greater protection to survivors of GBV and ensure that perpetrators are no longer able to use legislative loopholes to evade prosecution.
“The Victim Support Services Bill has been approved by Cabinet and published for public comment.”
Ramaphosa added that the Department of Justice and Correctional Services was seized with implementing reforms in the criminal justice system to ensure that the system prioritises survivors and their needs, saying there has been particular focus on the accessibility and functioning of Sexual Offences Courts.
Since the last Presidential Summit, 83 courts have been upgraded into Sexual Offences Courts.
Cape Times