Students welcome Ramaphosa’s response to gender-based violence

North-West University (NWU) students have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response to the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.

Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the evening of Wednesday 17 June, announcing further relaxation of the country’s level three lockdown restrictions. The president used this opportunity to address the ongoing wave of violence against women and children at the hands of men in the country.

“I want to assure the women and children of South Africa that our criminal justice system will remain focussed on GBV cases. These victims are not just statistics, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” Ramaphosa said.

He assured South Africans that government, together with the legislature, are implementing strict measures to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Thirteen regional courts have been upgraded into sexual offences courts. The perpetrators of violence against women and children must receive sentences that fit the horrific crimes they commit,” the president said.

Alberto Casaleggio (21), an honours student in sociology, said that the president merely made the country aware of the issue of GBV and how parliament is dealing with the matter. He said, “it is now a matter of determining whether this strict legislation will indeed lead to successful prosecutions.”

“The president can speak as much as he wants about GBV, and implement even more legislation. The fact of the matter is, we as a nation need to make a head shift,” Casaleggio said.

21-year-old Funeka Wanyane, a third-year psychology and tourism management student, stressed that the criminal justice system remains flawed.

Wanyane referred to the death of Tshegofatso Pule (28), who was brutally killed and hanged in a veld near Roodepoort, Gauteng, earlier this month. Pule was eight months pregnant when she was killed.

“How can the person that hanged that pregnant lady only be charged for her muder and not the unborn child? All lives matter, even that of an unborn child,” Wanyane said.

Gerrit Kriek (21), a third-year BCom chartered accounting student, said that he is thankful that the president finally recognised the situation in the country.

“What is happening in our society is just totally messed up. I honestly cannot comprehend why people would rape and kill others like that. It’s shocking,” he said.

Ramaphosa said that South Africa’s battle with Covid-19 and the issue of GBV is long and difficult, and that the task of recovery will be considerable.

“If there is anything we have learnt over the last 100 days, it is that we are resilient, resourceful and determined people. We shall overcome,” Ramaphosa said.