Violence Initiaitive

In February last year South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that his government would pursue five fundamental goals over the next decade. One of these was particularly bold, namely that violent crime would be halved, if not eliminated. This, according to Ramaphosa, would be achieved through improved policing, especially at the local level, and through addressing gender-based violence. His emphasis on the issues was well placed.

President Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2019 State of the Nation Address. Phando Jikelo African News Agency (ANA) DURBAN - President Cyril Ramaphosa used his State of the Nation Address on February 7 to outline his relatively new government’s actions and plans. Ramaphosa focused particularly on economic growth, investment and job creation. He also announced substantial investments in education, health and housing. But there was very limited focus on crime.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa used his State of the Nation Address on February 7 to outline his relatively new government’s actions and plans. Ramaphosa focused particularly on economic growth, investment and job creation. He also announced substantial investments in education, health and housing. But there was very limited focus on crime. Prevention strategies he outlined were somewhat stale. Most, especially those related to policing and gender-based violence, have been tried before.