Johannesburg: Like a stubborn stain clinging to a cherished garment, violence against women in South Africa continues to blot the nation’s fabric – a deep mark South Africa still struggles to wash away. While the country has made strides in improving the lives of women, including having women represented in various roles in society, the level of violence against women continues to be of grave concern.
According to South African Government News Agency, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the nation is at a low point regarding the dignity with which women and children are treated. The NPC, an independent advisory body appointed by the President, advises the government on implementing the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. Maluleke stressed that the issue has surpassed mere criminality and requires deeper societal introspection.
Maluleke pointed out the mixed progress in addressing women’s issues, citing the establishment of a Ministry of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the presence of women in Parliament as positive steps. However, he expressed concern about the ongoing violence against women, describing it as a “low-intensity war” against them. The South African Police Service’s crime statistics for early 2025 revealed troubling increases in rape cases, although some regions showed decreases.
A 2024 Human Sciences Research Council study found that one in three women in South Africa have experienced physical intimate partner violence. Between July and September 2024, 957 women were murdered, and 10,191 cases of rape were reported, underscoring the crisis. Maluleke lamented the societal breakdown, noting the alarming rates at which children are also victims of violence.
Reflecting on Women’s Month, Maluleke emphasized that women bear the brunt of unemployment and poverty in South Africa. Although the NDP aims to eliminate inequality and poverty, it does not explicitly address gender issues, which he considers a significant oversight. He acknowledged that violence against women has intensified over the past decade.
Looking ahead, Maluleke expressed hope that future iterations of the NDP will prioritize women’s issues. The National Planning Commission is already discussing plans beyond 2030, aiming to foreground concerns such as violence against women and gender inequality. The commission has also been conducting feminist-led gender-mainstreaming workshops to address these challenges comprehensively.
Maluleke highlighted the need for genuine representation of women, beyond mere numbers, and acknowledged the importance of addressing class disparities among women. He called for greater inclusivity, particularly for women with disabilities, in national processes and daily activities.
In his message to women, Maluleke expressed gratitude for their leadership and unrecognized contributions to society and the economy. He emphasized the importance of upholding policies and structures that affirm women’s dignity and roles in the country.
