Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
01 December 2023 | 13:48 CAT

Image: Twitter

A new political party, Xiluva, contesting the 2024 elections, speaks on GBV. The founder and leader of the Xiluva political party, Bongani Baloyi, says the government is complicit in Gender Based Violence.

As the country commemorates 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children. Baloyi says this is concerning and has failed on several levels.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government’s complicity in gender-based violence is deeply concerning. It has failed to indequately implement and enforce laws and policies, and provide support for victims, and its failure to address the underlying causes of GBV is troubling and further perpetuates a culture of violence against women and girls,” Baloyi said in a statement.

Since the start of the campaign, at least two men have been arrested in the high-profile murders in different cases of two women, including a 21-year-old student arrested in connection with the death and rape of Johannesburg teacher Kirsten Kluyt. In contrast, another woman’s husband, pastor Liezel de Jager, also appeared in court.

Baloyi points out there needs to be an improvement in policing and our justice system’s response to perpetrators of gender-based violence and violence against women and children.

“First, we must increase training for law enforcement on identifying and addressing such crimes. Second, establishing specialised units and designated prosecutors can help ensure cases are properly investigated and prosecuted without delay. Third, implementing a victim-centred approach, providing support services, and empowering survivors throughout the legal process can promote better outcomes. Finally, enhancing collaboration and coordination between different agencies and stakeholders can lead to a more holistic and effective response to these crimes,” the statement read.

The global theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December 2023, is “UNITE!

South Africa is considered to be the rape capital of the world, with 10 818 rape cases reported in the first quarter of 2022. The rate at which intimate partners in this country kill women is five times higher than the global average.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.