Media Statement by Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDEMWO Secretary General

Gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa is a national crisis. Women, children as well as men are suffering emotionally, physically, and even losing their lives due to escalating violence.

South Africa has one of the highest GBV rates in the world, a situation fuelled by a history of high criminality, lack of social norms, and deep-rooted inequalities. Factors such as alcohol and drug abuse, the disrespect and objectification of women, and the disregard for the rights of women and children have become common in some communities. The question we must ask is: why is GBV not decreasing?

Research shows that many offenders grow up in violent households where they experience or witness abuse. This cycle of violence continues from one generation to the next.

According to the reports, GBV is escalating, and urgent action is needed. One key area that requires immediate attention is firearm control. Many cases of domestic violence and love-triangle disputes involve the use of firearms, including those belonging to law enforcement officers. We call for the urgent tightening of firearm control regulations. Officers must be required to book in and out their firearms when reporting for duty, in line with Standing Order 108 (Firearm Act). Accountability, consequence management, and adherence to the code of conduct must be strictly enforced.

The recent brutal killings of women and children in various provinces highlight the severity of the crisis:
– In KwaZulu-Natal, a pregnant woman was allegedly run over by her partner. In another case, a young mother and her baby were reportedly killed by the boyfriend.
– In Gauteng, a woman was murdered inside a police station, allegedly by her police boyfriend.
– In the Free State, by October 2024, reports indicated that at least eight women were allegedly killed and burnt by their partners among the cases.
– Children are also victims, suffering rape and murder at the hands of heartless criminals.

It is also important to acknowledge that men are victims of GBV as well, mostly in silence. Many suffer abuse without speaking out and in some cases, their suffering only becomes visible when they lose their lives. GBV affects everyone and no victim should be ignored.

Furthermore, the failure of our justice system is worsening this crisis. The system often favours perpetrators over victims, granting criminals more rights than those they have harmed.

Delays in judgment and a lack of accountability allow abusers to walk free while victims and their families continue to suffer. This must change.

The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation requests urgent and concrete action from the government, law enforcement and communities to break the cycle of violence.

Stronger laws, better policing and community education are necessary to ensure that South Africa becomes a safer place for all.

The time for talk is over. We need action now.