Tough action against abuse

President Ramaphosa said government was working with civil society organisations on strategies to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide.

“Following intensive consultations and engagements, we are working towards the establishment of the GBV and Femicide Council and a National Strategic Plan that will guide all of us, wherever we are, in our efforts to eradicate this national scourge,” said President Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address.

He added that violent crimes were a societal problem that required a society-wide response.

“We are capacitating and equipping the police and court system to support survivors of GBV,” he said.

President Ramaphosa added that it was important for all South Africans to feel safe

“The South Africa we want is a country where all people are safe and feel safe. Let us therefore work together to ensure that violent crime is at least halved over the next decade.”

The President went on to say that government was working to improve the success rates in investigating and prosecuting crimes, and to ensure better training and professionalisation throughout the criminal justice system.

He said government would work towards halving crime in the next 10 years. To achieve this, police visibility would be increased by employing more police officers, and to create a more active role for citizens through effective community policing forums.

“Currently, there are over 5 000 students registered for basic training in our police training colleges and we envisage that this number will be increased to 7 000 per cycle over the next two intakes. We are working to improve success rates in investigating and prosecuting crimes, and to ensure better training and professionalisation throughout the criminal justice system,” he said.

The President also announced that there were plans to step up the fight against drug syndicates through the implementation of the National Anti-Gang Strategy and the revised National Drug Master Plan.