President Ramaphosa Addresses South Africa's GBV Crisis on Women’s Day

In an earnest address at the Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder, Northern Cape, President Cyril Ramaphosa faced the nation on Women’s Day with a sobering message about the epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. In a country marred by staggering rates of violence against women, Ramaphosa's speech painted a grim picture of the state of GBV amidst the collective trauma lingering over the nation.

According to a comprehensive survey by the Human Sciences Research Council, slated for release soon, a disturbing 7% of adult women endured physical or sexual violence within a year. This figure translates into an alarming 1.5 million women subjected to abuse. Ramaphosa emphasized the severity of the problem, pointing out that these women experienced trauma unimaginable to most.

Digging deeper into the intricate sociology of GBV, Ramaphosa highlighted that economic disparity serves as a catalyst for the exploitation and abuse of women. Economic abuse in intimate relationships stood at 13%, with many women dependent on grants as their primary source of income, compared to a significantly lower percentage for men. Ramaphosa advocated for the creation of more jobs and economic opportunities for women to enhance their financial independence and safety.

Revelations from the same HSRC survey uncovered that over 600,000 men confessed to perpetrating violence against women. The president urged a fundamental change in male behavior and attitudes towards women.

In the fight against GBV, the South African government has made strides by inaugurating more sexual offences courts and expanding care centers for women requiring safe havens. However, Ramaphosa acknowledged the deep-seated trauma inflicted by violence against women and children, describing it as a direct betrayal of the nation’s constitution and a violation of basic human decency.

As the country grapples with these disturbing realities, Ramaphosa's speech is a clarion call for transformative change and affirms the government’s commitment to combating GBV. It is a reminder of the enduring need to foster a society that guarantees the safety and dignity of every woman.