Cyril Ramaphosa: Men Must Fight GBV in South Africa

• President Cyril Ramaphosa urged men and boys in South Africa to take a stronger stand against gender-based violence (GBV).
• The President emphasized the need for rejecting violence against women and girls, highlighting women's achievements in education.
• Ramaphosa's call to action may lead to increased enforcement of existing GBV laws, potentially resulting in more prosecutions under relevant sections of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act.
• Julius Malema faces prosecution for crimen injuria after allegedly calling a former principal a 'rapist'.
• GBV remains a pervasive issue in South Africa, with devastating consequences for victims and their families.

Ramaphosa's call to action is a crucial step towards addressing this social problem.

In a recent speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged men and boys in South Africa to take a stronger stand against gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking at the Women's Day commemoration at the Union Buildings, he emphasized that rejecting violence against women and girls is crucial. This call to action comes as part of ongoing efforts to address GBV in the country. The President also highlighted women's achievements in education, calling for more women to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Ramaphosa's speech was met with a mix of reactions, with some praising his commitment to addressing GBV while others criticized the lack of concrete measures to tackle the issue. The President's call to action has sparked debate about the role of men in preventing GBV and the need for collective responsibility in addressing this social problem.

South Africa has a robust legal framework to combat GBV, with the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act providing for severe penalties against perpetrators. However, despite these laws, prosecution rates remain low. The President's call to action may lead to increased enforcement of existing laws, potentially resulting in more prosecutions under relevant sections of the Act. This development has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers, who must be aware of the potential increase in GBV-related cases.

The case of Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is a recent example of the application of these laws. Malema faces prosecution for crimen injuria after allegedly calling a former principal a 'rapist'. The case highlights the complexities of prosecuting GBV and the need for effective investigation and evidence gathering.

GBV remains a pervasive issue in South Africa, with devastating consequences for victims and their families. President Ramaphosa's call to action is a crucial step towards addressing this social problem. By urging men and boys to take responsibility, he acknowledges the critical role they play in preventing GBV. The President's speech also underscores the need for collective action to address GBV, emphasizing that it is not just a women's issue but a societal problem that requires a comprehensive response.

The increased enforcement of existing laws and potential rise in prosecutions under relevant sections of the Act are significant developments. Lawyers and compliance officers must be aware of these changes and adapt their practices accordingly. Ultimately, addressing GBV requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, awareness, and collective responsibility.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that President Ramaphosa's call to action may lead to increased enforcement of existing GBV laws, potentially resulting in more prosecutions under the relevant sections of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act.

Source: Original reporting via EWN