President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures to combat gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa following the discovery of 11 women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni since July 2026. The announcement came after reports of fatal violence against women and young girls in multiple provinces. Ramaphosa outlined a series of state interventions, municipal directives, and institutional requirements aimed at addressing the crisis.
The measures include immediate actions such as improving police response times, enhancing support services for survivors, and increasing public awareness campaigns. Activists criticized the plan as “seven years too late,” arguing that the government has failed to act effectively despite years of awareness. The new strategy also urges men to speak up against violence, a call echoed in a separate appeal that praised rugby captain Siya Kolisi and cricketer Temba Bavuma for their public stance.
The situation in Ekurhuleni highlights a broader national issue. South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence globally, with femicide remaining a persistent problem. Despite past initiatives, the lack of progress has led to growing public frustration. The new measures aim to address systemic failures but face skepticism from activists who emphasize the need for more than symbolic gestures. The government’s response will be closely watched as it seeks to turn rhetoric into meaningful change.
