In a momentous event at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Friday, 24 May 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed two significant bills into law, marking a crucial step forward in the country’s fight against corruption and gender-based violence (GBV).

The first bill, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill, establishes a National Council dedicated to coordinating and providing strategic leadership in combating GBV and femicide. This milestone legislation follows the commitment made during the first Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in 2018, demonstrating a concerted effort by the government to address these societal challenges.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of preventing GBV from occurring and emphasized the need for a coordinated national response involving all sectors of society. The establishment of the National Council represents a collaborative effort between government, civil society, and business, underscoring the nation’s commitment to ending violence against women and children.

The second bill, the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, establishes an Investigating Directorate against Corruption as a permanent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This move aims to enhance the capacity and expertise within the NPA to investigate and prosecute complex corruption cases effectively.

President Ramaphosa commended the progress made by the Investigating Directorate over the past five years, noting significant achievements in prosecuting state capture and corruption cases. The new legislation empowers the Investigating Directorate against Corruption with full criminal investigative powers, enabling it to recruit specialist skills and collaborate with various stakeholders to combat corruption effectively.

The signing of these bills reflects the government’s commitment to promoting accountability, strengthening institutions, and building a capable state that can deliver on its mandate to improve the lives of all South Africans. President Ramaphosa called on stakeholders from government, business, labor, and civil society to support these initiatives, emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve meaningful progress in the fight against corruption and GBV.

The enactment of these laws signals a decisive move towards creating a more transparent, accountable, and just society, where the rule of law prevails, and the rights and dignity of every citizen are upheld.

-The VIP Team

-DOH

-GCIS

-SA Presidency