The annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, launched globally on November 25, is a stark reminder of the persistent crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa. While the government emphasizes that the success of this campaign rests “on our daily individual and collective actions to safeguard our society,” the reality is that without serious interventions that reach our communities, this sentiment rings hollow. Rising violence demands more than rhetoric; it requires decisive and tailored action, which is impossible under the current centralized governance system.
Recent crime statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) illustrate the gravity of the situation. Between July and September 2024, murder and attempted murder against women increased by 5.4%, with murder up by 8.6% and attempted murder by 3.5%. Even more alarming are the statistics for children: murder rose by 7.5%, while attempted murder skyrocketed by 35.7%. This represents an overall increase of 23.1% in these violent crimes targeting children compared to the same period last year. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the lives of South Africa's most vulnerable citizens, highlighting a crisis that demands immediate and effective action.
The connection between a nation's economic and social health cannot be overstated. Societies plagued by high levels of violence are unable to achieve sustainable economic growth. Communities living in fear cannot thrive, and the burden of violence against women and children has far-reaching consequences—disrupting education, diminishing workforce participation, and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. If South Africa aspires to overcome its economic challenges, ensuring the safety and dignity of its citizens must become a non-negotiable priority.
Lessons from Rwanda
South Africa does not need to search far for solutions. Rwanda offers a compelling example of how a nation can successfully address violence against women and children, even under extreme adversity. Following the 1994 genocide, Rwanda faced a society devastated by violence and trauma. Through visionary leadership, legal reforms, and community engagement, the country implemented impactful policies that have significantly reduced gender-based violence.
Rwanda’s approach centers on three pillars: institutional reform, community empowerment, and cultural transformation. Specialized Gender Desks in police stations provide victims with sensitive and professional support. Strong laws ensure accountability, while public education campaigns challenge harmful norms and promote gender equality. Most importantly, these strategies are tailored to Rwanda’s unique social and cultural context, ensuring their effectiveness.
The results speak for themselves. Rwanda now boasts some of the highest levels of female parliamentary representation globally, leading to inclusive policy making. Trust in law enforcement has increased, and violence against women and children has declined significantly. The lesson is clear: focused, context-specific interventions backed by political will can yield tangible results.
The Need for Decentralization
One of the critical factors in Rwanda's success was its ability to implement context-specific solutions. This is where South Africa faces a significant challenge. The country’s centralized governance system often fails to account for the diverse realities of its provinces and communities. Policing, justice, and education—key pillars in addressing violence—are managed from Pretoria, resulting in one-size-fits-all policies that frequently fall short.
In the Western Cape, for example, the provincial government has consistently outperformed others in terms of service delivery and governance. However, it remains hamstrung by its limited powers. Policing and justice are national competencies, and despite the province’s efforts to address crime, its ability to act is constrained by national policies that do not reflect the specific needs of its communities.
Decentralizing these powers—whether through federalism, devolution, or independence—would allow the Western Cape and other provinces to develop localized solutions that address the root causes of violence. For example, a decentralized policing system could prioritize community-based approaches, increase police visibility in high-crime areas, and ensure that cases of gender-based violence are handled by trained professionals who understand the local context. Similarly, devolving education would enable the design of curricula that challenge harmful gender norms and promote respect and empathy from an early age.
Beyond Symbolism
The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a critical opportunity to raise awareness of gender-based violence. However, without structural changes and serious interventions that reach communities, it risks becoming a symbolic exercise. The South African government’s call for “daily individual and collective actions” rings hollow when systemic barriers prevent meaningful action at the local level.
Decentralization is not just a political argument; it is a practical necessity. The rise in violence against women and children, as highlighted by the SAPS statistics, underscores the urgency of empowering provinces to take control of their own safety and security. Rwanda’s success shows what can be achieved when communities are given the tools and autonomy to address their challenges.
More Independence: A Way Forward
For the Western Cape and other regions, decentralized governance offers a path to safer communities. Federalism would allow provinces to exercise greater control over policing, justice, and education while remaining part of a unified South Africa. However, federalism may be a halfway answer–better but not with all the results. Therefore, independence for the Western Cape may be the only viable solution to protect women and children effectively.
This is not merely a political debate but a moral imperative. Every day of inaction translates into more lives lost and families shattered. The Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) calls on all South Africans to demand decentralization to ensure that governance reflects the realities of our communities. Only then can we begin to build a society where women and children are truly safe.
* Afrikaans version published by Maroela Media.
