Cyril Ramaphosa on Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
TL;DR
Cyril Ramaphosa forcefully condemns Gender-Based Violence, viewing it as a critical national crisis and a 'second pandemic' requiring comprehensive, multi-sectoral action.
Key Points
He described Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a 'second pandemic' eroding the country's social fabric.
He launched the GBVF Response Fund in February 2021, together with the International Women's Forum of South Africa, to address high levels of GBVF.
Legislation fast-tracked under his watch included amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, which were passed by Parliament in June 2021.
Summary
Cyril Ramaphosa's core position is one of unequivocal condemnation of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), which he has repeatedly classified as South Africa's 'second pandemic,' second only to COVID-19 in national urgency. He views the unacceptably high levels of violence against women and children as a blight on the nation's constitutional promise of equality and freedom. His administration's primary response has been the adoption and implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, a comprehensive, multi-sectoral framework designed to coordinate a national response to the crisis. This commitment is evidenced by subsequent legislative reforms and the dedication of significant financial resources toward the plan's six pillars.
His stance has been shaped by significant public outcry, including widespread protests following high-profile murders, which spurred him to convene the Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, first in 2018 and again in 2022 to enforce accountability. Furthermore, the President has stressed that legal reform and government investment alone are insufficient, continually calling for a whole-of-society response that drives fundamental change in societal attitudes regarding sexism, patriarchy, and inequality. He has also highlighted the role of civil society and launched initiatives like the GBVF Response Fund to supplement government efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
The President's position is that GBV is a national crisis and a 'second pandemic' that must be eradicated through comprehensive action. He strongly advocates for legislative reform, resource allocation, and a societal shift away from patriarchal norms.
He oversaw the approval and implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was signed into effect in 2020. This ten-year plan aims to provide a multi-sectoral, coherent strategic framework for response across the country.
Yes, the government under his leadership has introduced and signed new laws to strengthen the fight against abuse. This includes legislation establishing the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, signed into law on 24 May 2024.
Sources6
Gender-based violence | SONA 2026: Gender-based violence | SONA 2026
Gender Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa: A National Disaster!
Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, 2022
4 Key Points From Cyril Ramaphosa as South Africa Marks 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence
Parliament's Statement on 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children - Parliament of South Africa
Gender-based violence and Covid-19: A collision of pandemics
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.