Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Haseena Ismail MP here
Replies to Democratic Alliance (DA) questions in Parliament has revealed a staggering 793 reported cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at the Vosloorus Police Station, with a dismal conviction rate of only 9.
That is a conviction rate of 1.13%.
This alarming revelation is a damning indictment of our justice system.
These numbers are a stark reminder of the systemic failures that perpetuate the scourge of GBV in our society. The fact that over 780 perpetrators of GBV have not been held accountable for their heinous crimes is a travesty of justice.
Importantly, we are still waiting for the National Council on Gender-Based Violence, which was promised by the President, to be launched. This council was meant to coordinate national, provincial and local efforts to combat GBV, but its delay is a worrying sign of that government might not be as committed to addressing this crisis, as it should be.
Without immediate action, how will women and children in South Africa ever feel safe? Government must understand that they need to start somewhere. We demand:
- The strengthening of the justice system: Ensuring that perpetrators of GBV are held accountable and face the full might of the law;
- Increase support for survivors: Provide adequate resources and support for survivors of GBV, including counselling, shelter, and medical care;
- Community engagement and education: Launch a campaign to raise awareness about GBV and promote a culture of respect and tolerance; and
- Establish the National Council on Gender-Based Violence: Immediately launch the promised council to coordinate our national efforts to combat GBV.
We cannot afford to fail the survivors of GBV. We owe it to them, and to ourselves, to create a society that is safe, just, and equitable for all.