The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) notes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of further interventions in the war against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).  If fully actioned by various state organs, they will play a key role in turning the tide against this national tragedy.  It is critical that the relevant Ministers and management be held accountable for their implementation.

Whilst appreciating these progressive commitments by the Presidency, we are deeply concerned by the timeframes given the urgency of these crises facing the nation.  We urge Cabinet and Treasury to ensure that the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement due to be tabled at Parliament on 21 October, provides the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other frontline law enforcement organs with the necessary resources to win this war.  Further allocations must be provided for in the 2027 Budget and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework due to be tabled at Parliament in February.

Frontline vacancies, in particular detectives, prosecutors, forensic investigators and magistrates need to be filled and ratios to society drastically reduced.  Critical skills need to be recruited, and members of our law enforcement institutions paid a living and competitive wage if we are to retain their expertise and experience.  SAPS and other law enforcement institutions need to be provided with working vehicles, modern computers and communications equipment, drones and CCTV cameras, state-of-the-art forensic capacities and laboratories, and access to the latest training and intelligence. 

Resources alone will not win this war, although they will play an essential role.  SAPS, the NPA and other law enforcement organs need to be cleansed of corruption and criminal elements, starting from the most senior management.

Defeating the cancer of GBVF and crime in general can no longer be compromised by austerity budget cuts, not when the lives of countless children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities are at stake.

SAPS requires support from international partners, in particular if we are to tackle often highly sophisticated international cartels and trafficking syndicates. 

COSATU fully endorses the President’s call for men and boys to take their responsibilities seriously.  There can be no excuse for GBVF or for sexual harassment and violence in our homes, communities, schools, transport and workplaces.  Enough is enough.  It is time every single South African accepts their responsibilities to ending this national shame.

Issued by COSATU

Matthew Parks (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)

Mobile: 082 785 0687

Email: matthew@cosatu.org.za