Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has vowed that government will intensify its response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as South Africa mourns nine women killed in the Ekurhuleni region since July this year.
Speaking at a Memorial Dialogue against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Chikunga described the deaths as part of a broader national crisis and called for stronger enforcement of laws aimed at protecting women and girls.
“Enough is enough,” Chikunga said, stressing that women should be able to walk, run and occupy public spaces without fear.
Government joined the families and communities of Ekurhuleni in remembering and honouring the women whose lives were tragically cut short amid the scourge of GBVF on Thursday.
Held at the Civic Centre in Kempton Park, the memorial service provided a moment for the nation to mourn, honour the lives of the deceased, and stand in solidarity with their families and communities as investigations into their deaths continue.
Chikunga, who visited the family of one of the victims, the late Elizabeth Moselakgomo, in Kempton Park on Wednesday, said the incident demonstrates the far-reaching impact of GBVF on children, families and communities.
Moselakgomo’s body was identified in Kempton Park on Monday. This was after leaving her home for an afternoon routine run last week. Her daughter alerted the family when she did not return home.
“The trauma we witness here in Kempton Park is not an isolated incident,” she said, describing the violence against women as a systemic national crisis.
Strengthening the fight against GBVF
Chikunga said government is implementing a series of legal and institutional measures to strengthen the fight against GBVF.
She highlighted the requirement for employers to check the National Register for Sexual Offenders before finalising appointments, saying employers who fail to comply could face criminal liability.
The Minister said recent legal amendments will also strengthen the consequences for perpetrators of GBVF, including provisions concerning life imprisonment and parole.
In addition, the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act have removed the ability of police and prosecutors to grant station bail in GBV cases, leaving such decisions to the courts following a hearing.
The Minister cited three pieces of legislation as part of government's legislative response: the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act.
She also noted the establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF Council), which will provide a permanent, statutory and multisectoral mechanism to coordinate, monitor and strengthen the country’s response to the scourge.
According to Chikunga, the council's board, which was inaugurated recently, is expected to develop a comprehensive national action plan addressing GBVF prevention, accountability and interventions across the country.
Chikunga appealed to members of the public with information about missing relatives or friends to come forward to help authorities identify the remaining six bodies.
The Minister said identifying the victims will enable their families to give them dignified burials and assist investigators in pursuing those responsible for their deaths.
Call for men to reject violence
Chikunga issued a direct appeal to men, urging them to reject violence against women and girls.
She said government is placing greater emphasis on promoting what it described as positive masculinity, including engagement with schools, churches and traditional leaders to encourage respect, equality and non-violence.
“True masculinity does not destroy; it builds and protects.”
Chikunga said the deaths of the women should strengthen the country's resolve to prevent GBVF and ensure accountability.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the Kempton Park cases be prioritised and that law enforcement agencies use all available investigative resources to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The gathering saw Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia deliver the President’s message.
READ | SA stands behind grieving families, conveys condolences: President Ramaphosa
“We are determined to act with urgency to solve these killings, to bring those responsible to justice, and to restore calm and security to communities. The South African Police Service, working together with all relevant State bodies, has dedicated personnel and resources to these cases,” said the President.
– SAnews.gov.za
