3 Women Out Of 10 Are Victims

'Govt intends to increase the national footprint of sexual offences courts.'

- Brian Sokutu

As South Africa contends with some of the globe's highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) – at least three women out of 10 aged 18 and older have experienced GBV. Because of this, Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says government intends to increase the national footprint of sexual offences courts.

Addressing the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation dialogue on GBV in Soweto on Tuesday, Kubayi said her department planned to target rural communities in a major drive to eliminate case backlogs.

"Stories of women getting killed by their partners have become so prevalent on social media platforms – to the extent that when we read them, we no longer get shocked or outraged."

"We just read and move on."

"It is for this reason that I welcome this dialogue, because it serves as a reminder to all of us that GBV is unacceptable and that remaining silent is not an option."

"We all have a responsibility to speak out, to report it wherever it rears its ugly head in our homes, our neighbourhoods and even in the homes of our beloved relatives," said Kubayi.