South Africa to clean up high-risk areas after 12 women killed

South Africa is grappling with a profound national crisis following the discovery of 12 women’s bodies in the Ekurhuleni region east of Johannesburg over a two-month period. The grim findings have ignited widespread public outrage, forcing the government to confront the persistent and lethal epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) that continues to plague the nation. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a sweeping, multidisciplinary emergency plan aimed at securing public spaces and accelerating the judicial response to these crimes.

A National Emergency Response

President Ramaphosa’s newly announced strategy introduces a rigorous four-point plan, characterized by strict 30-, 60-, and 90-day deadlines for municipal and law enforcement action. Central to this initiative is a mandatory safety audit for every municipality, designed to identify and rectify environmental hazards that facilitate violence, such as broken streetlights, abandoned buildings, and poorly secured public parks. The government has committed to funding these infrastructure improvements to ensure that public spaces no longer serve as hunting grounds for perpetrators.

Beyond physical security, the administration is implementing an "enforcement package" specifically targeting the intersection of alcohol abuse and interpersonal violence. While the President emphasized that alcohol is never an excuse for violence, he acknowledged that it remains a significant aggravating factor in the country’s crime statistics. By tightening regulations and addressing these environmental and social triggers, the government hopes to curb the rising tide of femicide that has left communities reeling.

This cannot be accepted as a normal part of life in South Africa. We must confront an uncomfortable truth. What we have done has not been enough.

Systemic Vulnerabilities and Social Roots

The recent killings have occurred against a backdrop of staggering statistics, with South Africa’s femicide rate consistently ranking among the highest in the world. Research from the Human Sciences Research Council indicates that while general violent crime rates have fluctuated, crimes specifically targeting women have seen a concerning increase. Vulnerable groups, including women with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and black African women, remain at the highest risk of victimization, highlighting the intersectional nature of the crisis.

Experts and activists argue that the problem is deeply rooted in patriarchal attitudes that normalize the control and subjugation of women. President Ramaphosa echoed these sentiments, noting that the violence does not begin with a physical assault but rather with societal beliefs that mistake jealousy for love and coercion for affection. Addressing this requires a cultural shift that challenges the fundamental power dynamics between men and women, moving beyond mere legislative fixes to address the underlying psychological and social drivers of abuse.

The Path Toward Accountability

The government’s latest intervention follows a period of intense pressure from civil society, including nationwide protests and "lie-down" demonstrations that demanded the state classify gender-based violence as a national disaster. This classification, officially adopted in late 2025, marked a turning point in how the state manages the crisis, allowing for more robust resource allocation and inter-departmental coordination. The current 90-day plan represents the next phase of this commitment, focusing on clearing backlogs in forensic investigations and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice more efficiently.

Despite these measures, skepticism remains among the public and advocacy groups who have long called for more decisive action. The discovery of the 12 women in Ekurhuleni has served as a harrowing reminder that for many, the state’s protection remains elusive. As the government moves forward with its audits and enforcement, the success of these initiatives will be measured by their ability to provide tangible safety for women and girls who continue to live under the constant threat of violence.