30 September 2026 – A man (42) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Scottburgh Regional Court for the murder of his partner (34) in the Mahlongwa area of Umkomaas. The evidence presented in court revealed that Sibusiso Philani Hlongwa and the deceased were living together when he murdered her in December 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said on the evening of 25 December 2024, Hlongwa arrived home and asked the deceased to speak to him in an outbuilding. Ramkisson-Kara said she agreed and followed him.
“At approximately midnight, family members heard the deceased screaming inside the room. When they went to investigate, they found her bleeding profusely. She told them that Hlongwa had stabbed her before fleeing the scene.
“Paramedics were called, but the deceased was declared dead upon their arrival. The incident was reported to the police, who arrested Hlongwa the following day. During the trial, the state prosecutor Akhile Gcume led evidence from family members who found the deceased after the attack, the investigating officer and the doctor who examined her body,” she said.
Ramkisson-Kara further said the post-mortem report also formed part of the state’s case. She added that the Victim Impact Statements compiled by two family members and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Nokukhanya Mkhize were presented to the court.
“The family members described how the deceased’s death had negatively affected their lives and the trauma of witnessing her final moments. Combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide remained an organisational priority.
“Together with our partners in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we will continue working to ensure that perpetrators of these offences are held accountable,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
She said in addition to the life sentence, Hlongwa was declared unfit to possess a firearm. Ramkisson-Kara said the NPA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide are held accountable for their actions.
30 September 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court for the attempted murder of his former partner, whom he repeatedly stabbed, resulting in the loss of her right eye. On 23 February 2024, Hendrik Blou and his former partner (23) were drinking alcohol at his parental home when she told him that she no longer loved him and left the house.
Blou allegedly followed her as she walked along the street and attacked her from behind, stabbing her repeatedly. When the complainant turned around, she recognised Blou as her attacker.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said he continued stabbing her in the face and eye until she lost consciousness. Senokoatsane said the victim later regained consciousness at Abraham Esau Hospital in Calvinia before being transferred to Kimberley for specialist treatment.
“Due to the severity of her injuries, her right eye had to be surgically removed. A second complainant witnessed the attack. Two days later, Blou allegedly threatened to kill her if she disclosed what she had seen, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
“Blou was arrested on 27 February 2024 and remained in custody throughout the trial. During the proceedings, the state presented evidence from several witnesses, including an eyewitness and two medical practitioners who testified about the extent of the victim’s injuries,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the court found that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted Blou on all counts.
He added that the witnesses were supported and prepared for trial by Court Preparation Officer Majorie De Wee, who also assisted the victim in compiling a victim impact statement detailing the physical, emotional and psychological consequences of the attack.
“During sentencing, regional court prosecutor, Darryl Bromkamp argued that the offences were serious and demonstrated a pattern of violent behaviour. The court was informed that Blou had previous convictions for murder and two counts of rape and had committed the present offences while on parole.
“The state argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the authority remained committed to prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crimes, particularly those involving gender-based violence. He said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crimes, particularly offences involving Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“We will continue to support victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process and pursue justice without fear, favour, or prejudice. The court agreed with the State’s submissions and sentenced Blou to life imprisonment for attempted murder.
“He was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for common assault, to run concurrently with the life sentence, and declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims and witnesses while working to protect vulnerable members of society and strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system,” said Senokoatsane.
30 September 2026 – Bafana Bafana will be looking to maintain momentum when the South Africans face Eritrea in an away 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 18h00 SA time.
The Eritreans are hosting this qualifying match at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, as they do not have a Confederation of African Football-accredited venue in their own country.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane’s charges got their AFCON qualifying campaign off to a winning start after beating Guinea 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium this past weekend. While Mosimane will hope that the South African senior men’s national team maintains the progress, he also warned that they would not take Eritrea lightly.
“I am happy with the result we got (in the first qualifier against Guinea), we got the result, and even the attitude was good. We need to show the same attitude against Eritrea because you can’t give respect to Guinea and not accord the same to an Eritrea side that just claimed a point away from home in Kenya,” he said.
Eritrea snatched a point away from home after a 1-1 draw with Kenya in the other Group D match also played this past weekend at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Bafana Bafana captain, Ronwen Williams echoed Mosimane and said the team will continue to work very hard as they now shift focus to the East Africans.
“The spirit and the energy amongst ourselves are always good and we have maintained that. The guys have been open to all the changes that the coach has implemented and one way to see that is through the tactical agreements we had in the previous game, to see some of the things we worked on in training ahead of the game,” he said.
30 September 2026 – A father (14) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hartswater Regional Court for raping and sexually assaulting his biological daughter (14). The accused was convicted of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault after the court found that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to evidence presented in court, the incident occurred on 7 October 2021, when the accused invited his children to his home to celebrate his birthday. During the early hours of the following morning, the victim and her younger siblings were sleeping in the same bed as the accused.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said after the younger children left the room, the accused prevented the victim from leaving the bed, undressed her, sexually assaulted her and raped her. Senokoatsane said the victim testified that she cried out for help, but loud music playing in the room prevented anyone from hearing her.
“Following the incident, the accused allegedly threatened to kill members of the victim’s maternal family if she disclosed the abuse.
The victim remained silent for several months until the offences came to light after she gave birth in July 2022.
“The court heard that the victim went into labour at home and gave birth with the assistance of her cousin (18), who initially believed she was suffering from severe stomach pains. The victim and her cousin were subsequently taken to hospital, where medical personnel questioned the minor about the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and the identity of the child’s father,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the matter was reported to the police, and the victim disclosed that her biological father was responsible. He added that the DNA testing later confirmed that the accused was the biological father of the child.
“During the trial, the accused denied the allegations and claimed that the case had been fabricated by his wife’s family. However, the court rejected his version and convicted him on both counts.
“The sentence demonstrated the authority’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring accountability for sexual offences.
The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences without fear, favour, or prejudice and to ensuring that vulnerable victims, particularly children, are treated with dignity, compassion, and sensitivity throughout the criminal justice process,” said Senokoatsane.
He said during sentencing, the state prosecutor Matilda Sekhoetsane argued that the seriousness of the offences and the aggravating circumstances warranted the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment. Senokoatsane said the court also considered a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Dimpho Nikani, in which the victim described the emotional and psychological trauma she had suffered, including feelings of betrayal, fear and distrust.
“The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for rape and five years imprisonment for sexual assault, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The NPA further emphasised the importance of reporting sexual abuse and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and protection, particularly where abuse occurs within relationships of trust.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape Division welcomed the sentence, saying it reflected the seriousness of sexual offences committed against children and the lasting impact on victims,” he said.
30 September 2026 – Blouberg Local Municipality Municipal, Manager Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala (57) and two directors of BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd, have appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged fraudulent security services tender worth more than R11 million.
Ramothwala, Sello Herlot Mongalo (37) and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka (39) were arrested on 23 September 2026, and are collectively facing 73 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges stem from allegations that Blouberg Local Municipality awarded a security services tender to BBT Security Services in March 2023 after the company allegedly submitted fraudulent tender documents. The company allegedly failed to meet key technical requirements stipulated in the tender specifications, including the ownership of firearms required to provide the contracted security services.
Despite the alleged non-compliance, BBT Security Services continued providing services and received payments from the municipality over three years, amounting to more than R11 million.
NPA regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the authority remained committed to ensuring accountability in cases involving fraud, corruption and the misuse of public funds.
“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring accountability in matters involving fraud, corruption, and the misuse of public funds, and will continue to prosecute such matters without fear, favour, or prejudice,” said Malabi.
Ramothwala faces an additional charge relating to the alleged contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
She also has a pending fraud case before the Hoedspruit Regional Court, with the trial scheduled to proceed on 16 October 2026. BBT Security Services and its two directors face charges of theft, fraud and money laundering arising from the alleged irregular award and implementation of the tender.
The matter was postponed to 1 October 2026 for a formal bail application.
The NPA reiterated its commitment to prosecuting cases involving alleged financial misconduct and ensuring that public funds are protected.
30 September 2026 – The Bafokeng Regional Court has sentenced Kabelo Rantwa (34) to eight years imprisonment for raping his neighbour (38) in Chaneng Village, near Rustenburg. The incident occurred on 11 November 2023, when Rantwa encountered the complainant at a local entertainment venue, where she had been socialising.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said later that evening, he went to her residence, where he found her undressed and proceeded to rape her. Mabasa said the complainant fought back during the assault before Rantwa fled the scene.
“During sentencing proceedings, Prosecutor Zolo Mpayipheli presented a victim impact statement compiled by Court Preparation Officer Kenosi Pako. In her statement, the complainant described the profound impact of the rape on her life and that of her two minor children, who witnessed her struggle with Rantwa during the incident.
“The state argued that rape remains a serious offence with devastating consequences, particularly for women and children.
The prosecution further submitted that the seriousness of the offence was compounded by the fact that Rantwa was the complainant’s neighbour, someone from whom she was entitled to expect respect and safety,” she said.
Mabasa further said although Rantwa pleaded guilty, the state argued that his plea should not automatically be regarded as evidence of genuine remorse. She added that Rantwa had been released on bail and remained out of custody until the finalisation of the matter.
“The authority remained committed to prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that victims received the necessary support throughout the criminal justice process. The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive the support they need throughout the criminal justice process.
“The court agreed with the state’s submissions and sentenced Rantwa to eight years imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA welcomes the sentence, reaffirming its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and supporting victims of gender-based violence,” said Mabasa.
The North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the outcome and commended Mpayipheli, Pako and South African Police Service Detective Olebogeng Tsame for their professionalism and commitment in securing the conviction. Makhari said the NPA reiterated its commitment to supporting survivors through victim-centred interventions, including the Thuthuzela Care Centre programme, while ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
30 September 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the effective 40-year prison sentence imposed on Kamogelo Kopang (22) for raping a woman (18) in Maruping Village, near Kuruman. Kopang was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the sentence brings his total effective imprisonment term to 40 years, following a previous 20-year sentence for another rape committed approximately two years earlier. Senokoatsane said the sentence demonstrated the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding repeat sexual offenders accountable.
“This conviction and substantial sentence demonstrate the criminal justice system’s resolve in holding repeat sexual offenders accountable. The court heard that on 28 September 2024, the victim was walking to a friend’s house after leaving her boyfriend’s residence when she encountered Kopang.
“He allegedly grabbed her, threatened her with a knife, forced her to the ground and raped her. After the attack, he reportedly insisted that she agree that they had engaged in consensual sexual intercourse before fleeing,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the traumatised victim managed to reach her friend’s house, where she immediately reported the rape. He added that a few days later, she spotted Kopang at the Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court, where he was appearing in connection with another rape case.
“She alerted the police, leading to his arrest. While in custody, DNA evidence linked him to a separate rape case, in which he later pleaded guilty and received a 20-year prison sentence. During sentencing proceedings, the state prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor, presented a Victim Impact Statement detailing the emotional, psychological and personal harm suffered by the victim.
“The state argued that no substantial and compelling circumstances justified departing from the prescribed minimum sentence. It also highlighted Kopang’s previous rape conviction as an aggravating factor,” said Senokoatsane.
He said NPA commended Bronkhorst-Oor for her prosecution of the matter and Court Preparation Officer, Beauty Moreeng for preparing witnesses and facilitating the Victim Impact Statement. Senokoatsane said the Kuruman Thuthuzela Care Centre also assisted the victim with medical treatment and psychosocial support following the incident.
“The NPA remained committed to prosecuting sexual offences, protecting victims’ dignity and ensuring that survivors’ experiences were placed before the courts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Regional Court Magistrate Stephen Hinana agreed that there were no grounds to reduce the sentence and ruled that the two sentences should not run concurrently because the offences were committed approximately two years apart. Kopang was also declared unfit to possess a firearm or firearm licence, and his particulars were ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Picture: High rate of unemployment grapples SA/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 September 2026 – The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has raised concern over South Africa’s unemployment crisis, warning that government austerity measures and rising interest rates are placing additional pressure on workers and businesses. In a statement, MISA said the country’s unemployment crisis had reached catastrophic levels and accused the state of deepening the problem rather than addressing it.
The association’s concerns follow the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points, from 7% to 7.25%, marking the second increase this year.
MISA CEO, Martlé Keyter said the combination of reduced public spending and higher borrowing costs was placing a double burden on workers. Keyter said government austerity and rising interest rates are a double blow to workers.
“One starves the economy of the investment that creates jobs, the other raises the cost of everything from a home loan to a car. MISA opposed measures that deepened poverty and called for public investment and job creation to be prioritised in economic policy.
“MISA said the latest repo rate increase could have direct consequences for the retail motor industry, as higher interest rates make vehicle financing more expensive, potentially reducing demand for vehicles and putting jobs at risk,” she said.
Keyter further said they have noted that dealerships, workshops and aftermarket businesses across the motor industry value chain employ more than 500 000 people. She added that increased borrowing costs would place additional pressure on households already struggling with vehicle repayments and other expenses.
“MISA called for economic policies that prioritise public investment, industrial development and employment creation to address the country’s unemployment crisis,” said Keyter.
Meanwhile, Independent Economist, Duma Gqubule criticised the country’s record on job creation. Gqubule said South Africa had created approximately two million jobs over the past 17 years, while the labour force continued to grow by between 600 000 and 700 000 people annually.
He argued that economic growth alone would not be sufficient to address unemployment, calling for stronger industrial policies and an expansion of public employment programmes.
“We need a 4 to 6% GDP growth rate just for the 600,000 who are joining the workforce. Even with a growth rate of 6%, we will still have high unemployment. So, we have to do more than just grow the economy faster.
“We need strong industrial policies to create labour-intensive sectors. We have to rapidly expand public employment programmes,” he said.
Gqubule also criticised austerity measures, arguing that cuts to infrastructure, healthcare and education spending undermine job creation and discourage private-sector investment. He further raised concerns about the cancellation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which he said had created more than two million work opportunities.
Picture: Tshepiso Jantjies addressing farmers and experts attending the packhouse launch/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 September 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding agro-processing, creating jobs and strengthening farmer participation in the agricultural value chain with the launch of the Jantjies Boerdery Packhouse Project in Taung. The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, joined by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nokuzola Capa, officially unveiled the value-adding packhouse at Jantjies Boerdery on Monday.
Sambatha said the project is aimed at strengthening lucerne production and processing in Taung and forms part of government’s broader efforts to support farmer-led enterprises that move beyond primary production and create greater value within the agricultural value chain. He said the investment should not be viewed as support for one individual enterprise, but as an intervention that will benefit the wider farming community in Taung.
“This investment is not only for Jantjies as an individual. Taung has one of the greatest concentrations of lucerne producers, which is why we are supporting lucerne aggregation. There are a number of lucerne farmers in the area, and our vision is to position Taung as a provincial lucerne hub.
“The development of the lucerne value chain has the potential to increase agricultural production and create employment opportunities in the municipality. The production of lucerne in Taung should help increase the capacity of the area to create jobs,” said Sambatha.
He further said the equipment provided to Jantjies is intended to assist not only this enterprise, but other farmers in and around Taung to produce and process lucerne. Sambatha added that the department has supported the initiative with lucerne harvesting machinery, processing and value-adding equipment, as well as packaging materials.
“The support is intended to increase production capacity, promote agro-processing and create opportunities for farmers to participate more meaningfully in the agricultural value chain. We encourage farmers to collaborate and make use of opportunities presented by agro-processing.
“The department is committed to assisting farmers with value-adding machinery to increase production capacity, create jobs and support the development of farmers. We encourage farmers to collaborate and ensure that agricultural products are processed and value is retained within our communities,” he said.
Sambatha said initiatives such as the lucerne aggregation project and Hemp Hub demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting farmers beyond production by creating an enabling environment for value addition, enterprise development and participation in agricultural markets.
Meanwhile, Tshepiso Jantjies said Jantjies Boerdery is a farmer-led enterprise specialising in the production, harvesting, processing, packaging and distribution of lucerne products for the livestock feed market. Jantjies said the enterprise currently supplies markets beyond the North West and exports to Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.
“We also have supply contracts with companies in other provinces. The business had worked for more than three years to establish the necessary systems and comply with requirements across the agricultural value chain.
“We plant, harvest, package and supply. I specialise in lucerne. It took us more than three years to get to where we are because there are a lot of compliance procedures that we had to meet to work across the entire value chain,” he said.
Jantjies said the government support with machinery has been instrumental in enabling the enterprise to move from primary production into value addition. He said as a lucerne agro-processor, it is important to comply with industry standards, including the machinery that you use.
“With the lucerne pellet mill, I can process the product into pellets. Had it not been for the department’s support with the machinery, I would not have been able to produce a product such as pellets. Compliance involves several aspects of the operation, including the packhouse facility and processing equipment.
“The enterprise currently employs local residents, while the new packhouse is expected to create additional opportunities for farmers to bring their lucerne to the facility for processing and value addition,” said Jantjies.
Jantjies also plays a role in developing emerging farmers through mentorship and regular masterclasses aimed at equipping smallholder farmers with practical knowledge on lucerne production and processing. He said through these interventions, farmers are supported with knowledge on how to plant and manage lucerne and process it into livestock feed products.
“The packhouse is expected to strengthen this support by creating a platform where local producers can access processing and value-adding opportunities without having to operate across the entire value chain individually.
“The initiative contributes to the department’s objectives of promoting rural industrialisation, job creation, farmer development, food security and inclusive economic growth,” said Jantjies.
30 September 2026 – In a bid to ensure that cases involving violence against women and children are not stalled, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa announced a four-point recovery plan to ensure that cases are processed and that perpetrators are brought to book. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Ramaphosa announced that he has directed the acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi to undertake a national case-recovery operation focused on unresolved murders, attempted murders, rapes and serious sexual offences involving women and children.
He further said individual recovery plans must be in place for priority cases as well as cases that have stalled. Ramaphosa added that within 60 days, this audit must identify the number and age of unresolved cases, cases awaiting forensic evidence, cases in which suspects have been identified but not arrested and cases in which investigative or prosecutorial action has been unreasonably delayed.
“Each plan must identify the outstanding action, the responsible official and the deadline for moving the case forward. I have also directed Cachalia, the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, and the relevant forensic authorities to present, within 60 days, a funded plan to reduce forensic backlogs and establish clear turnaround standards for priority Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) cases.
“The plan must set out the size and age of the backlog, shortages of personnel and equipment, the resources required and the dates by which the backlog will be reduced,” he said.
Ramaphosa said priority forensic samples in cases involving the rape or murder of women and children must be ring-fenced for urgent processing. He said progress against the turnaround standards must be reported publicly every quarter.
“Every municipality must begin a women’s safety audit without delay. High-risk areas must be identified working with provincial governments and the police. Within 60 days, these audits must identify broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, abandoned buildings, unsafe transport routes and facilities, poorly secured parks and other conditions that place women at risk.
“Within 90 days of completing the audit, the most urgent hazards must have been addressed or included in a funded implementation plan with clear completion dates,” said Ramaphosa.
He has also directed the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, working with the Ministers of Health, Social Development, Police and Cooperative Governance, to submit to Cabinet within 60 days a coordinated legislative and enforcement package to reduce alcohol-related violence. Ramaphosa said alcohol does not cause Gender-Based Violence [GBV] and it can never excuse it.
“Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator. But harmful alcohol use is a significant aggravating factor in interpersonal violence, and it must be addressed as part of our wider prevention effort.
“Women should not have to live in fear because the government has failed to repair a light, clear a public space, process evidence or enforce a law. Every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility,” he said.
Ramaphosa said every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility. In addition, he said the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will monitor these measures and issue consolidated public progress reports every quarter.
“The first consolidated report must be issued within 90 days, with public progress reports every quarter thereafter. The directives are not just a statement of good intentions. These establish responsibilities, deadlines and a duty to submit reports on a regular basis to the nation.
“The directives support the accelerated implementation of key pillars of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which continues to guide the work underway across all spheres of government and all parts of society,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they must prevent the violence before it starts because programmes, stronger laws, additional resources and more police officers will not, on their own, end violence against women. Ramaphosa said attitudes that women are inferior and the belief that a man has the right to control a woman, among others, are not helpful.
“It begins when a man refuses to accept the word no. We must confront the uncomfortable, devastating truth that the primary GBV hotspot is in the home and in interpersonal relationships. This as a national study by the South African Medical Research Council found that more than 60% of the women murdered in 2021 and 2022 were killed by an intimate partner.
“The prevention of violence against women must begin at home.
“It must begin with how we raise our sons, with what boys learn about girls, anger, rejection and consent, and with what they learn from watching the men around them,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the country has placed the burden of male violence on women. He said for too long, Gender-Based Violence has been treated as a women’s problem to solve.
“That must change and the freedom promised by the Constitution cannot be a freedom enjoyed fully by men and cautiously by women. It is time for good men to stop being silent men. We salute the many South African men who are already speaking out, including prominent figures such as Siya Kolisi and Temba Bavuma, who have used their public platforms to urge men to confront violence against women and to become better men.
“I have directed the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture to strengthen the work of the Moral Regeneration Movement and to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to changing the attitudes, social norms and practices that enable violence against women,” said Ramaphosa.
He also acknowledged the work of faith-based organisations, community organisations, women’s and youth formations, educational institutions, traditional leaders and many other structures that confront gender-based violence every day.
