Dear Mr. President Cyril Ramaphosa,
As we move through Women's Month, I find myself waking up this morning with a heavy heart, asking a painful question: What is the point?
Every day, I guide women through the criminal justice system, all in the hope of securing justice. But today, I wonder, what is the point?
We live in a country with a beautiful constitution and laws designed to protect all its citizens. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story. We have a conviction rate of under 10% in GBV cases, and those that do make it to court often take years to resolve. And let’s be real—most cases never even reach that stage. In South Africa, you can beat, rape, or even kill a woman, and the likelihood of facing any consequences is dismally low.
Let me share with you a story. Two years ago, a young girl boarded a bus to school. On that bus, a man in his 30s approached her and asked her to be his girlfriend. She declined, and he responded with a chilling threat: if she wouldn’t date him, then she wouldn’t date anyone. For the last two years, this man has made her life a living hell. He has stalked her, broken windows trying to gain entry to her home, climbed her gate, beaten up three of her male friends, harassed her niece on her way to school, and terrorized her grandmother.
This young girl now suffers from a heart condition, most likely induced by stress. She no longer leaves her home and is too frightened to move out, fearing that in her absence, this man will kill her grandmother. Despite having a criminal case open against him and a finalized protection order, this man is still free, still walking the streets.
Why? Because while we have great legislation on paper, it’s rarely implemented on the ground. Poor training, lack of education, laziness, inefficiency, and toxic masculinity all contribute to this failure. Eight weeks ago, the chief prosecutor assured us that a warrant would be issued by Friday. Was it? No. The statement taken was riddled with errors, leaving loopholes that needed to be addressed. Despite being asked to by the same prosecutor- did SAPS rectify this with the survivor? No. Did they follow up? No.
I’ve escalated this issue, reported it, and yet nothing has changed. So I ask you again, Mr. President—what is the point? What is the point of our constitution, our legislation, if it’s not enforced? What is the point of going to SAPS to open a case when you’re treated as if you’re a foolish woman who brought this on herself?
This Women’s Month, I urge you—no more promises of new legislation until you can ensure that the laws we already have are enforced. And those who stand in the way of justice must be held accountable. So that no more young children are forced to live as prisoners in their own homes, begging for help that never comes.
- From GRIT CEO and Founder Leonora Tima
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