South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on men to take greater responsibility for violence against women, announcing new measures to address the escalating crisis following a series of murders that have sparked public outrage. In a televised address on Tuesday night, Ramaphosa acknowledged that insufficient action had been taken to protect women and outlined a plan to tackle gender-based violence.

Key Announcements

  • Police Review: The police will review unsolved murders, attempted murders, and serious sexual offenses against women and children, with a funded plan to reduce the forensic backlog expected within 60 days.
  • Local Government Action: Local governments have five months to address safety issues, including repairing broken streetlights and clearing overgrown public spaces.
  • Alcohol-Fueled Violence: Ramaphosa tasked five ministers to develop a plan within 60 days to reduce violence linked to alcohol consumption. He emphasized that while alcohol does not cause gender-based violence, it is a significant aggravating factor.
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"Women should not have to live in fear because government has failed to repair a light, clear a public space, process evidence or enforce a law," Ramaphosa stated.