Ramaphosa to sign important bills on corruption and gender-based violence
President Ramaphosa will strengthen South Africa’s stance against gender-based violence and corruption by signing two crucial bills into law.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to solidify South Africa’s commitment to combating gender-based violence and corruption by signing two significant bills into law.
The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill, along with the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, will be formally enacted during a ceremony at the Union Buildings on Friday.
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE BILL MARKS KEY STEP IN PROTECTING WOMEN’S RIGHTS
According to the Presidency, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill marks a pivotal advancement in safeguarding the welfare of women across all sectors of society.
“The establishment of a council dedicated to driving a whole-of-society approach to combat this scourge is fundamental,” stated the Presidency.
This council will serve as the statutory body tasked with providing strategic leadership in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
“The council will be the statutory body charged with providing strategic leadership in the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa,” the Presidency reiterated.
NEW BILL ESTABLISHES ANTI-CORRUPTION INVESTIGATIVE DIRECTORATE
Simultaneously, the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill introduces crucial provisions, including the establishment of the Investigative Directorate against Corruption.
This Directorate, set to absorb the existing Investigating Directorate, will possess investigative capabilities prioritising severe criminal or unlawful conduct, especially in cases of serious, high-profile, or complex corruption, commercial, or financial crimes.
“The legislation directs that the Directorate be given the infrastructure and resources needed to perform its functions,” affirmed the Presidency.
These legislative actions underscore the government’s determination to address two pressing issues affecting South African society: gender-based violence and corruption.
SAPS ARRESTS 19 000 FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
According to Jacaranda, the South African Police Service (SAPS) reports that it has arrested over 19 000 individuals for gender-based violence, femicide, and crimes against children in the past year. Additionally, among these, approximately 2300 have been convicted.
The SAPS disclosed these statistics during the country’s Child Protection Week.
Furthermore, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe noted that Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape had the highest number of arrests for crimes against children. Gauteng recorded 3293 arrests, KwaZulu-Natal 3786, and the Western Cape 4857.