President Highlights Progress in Addressing Gender-Based Violence, State Capture, and Youth Unemployment

President Ramaphosa emphasized that ending GBVF remains a top priority for The Presidency.

In his Budget Vote address to Parliament in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the government's ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), address state capture, and tackle youth unemployment.

President Ramaphosa emphasized that ending GBVF remains a top priority for The Presidency. He noted that two Presidential Summits have been held to unite government, civil society, and other stakeholders in creating a cohesive national strategy against this epidemic. The National Strategic Plan (NSP) against GBVF is central to these efforts, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for a coordinated national response. The NSP addresses the needs of various groups affected by GBVF, including women of all ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, migrant backgrounds, and trans women.

A key component of the NSP involves prevention, including educational initiatives targeting boys and young men on gender equality and their roles in supporting women and girls.

On the issue of state capture, President Ramaphosa reported significant progress in implementing recommendations from the State Capture Commission. The Presidency has been actively collaborating with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability for wrongdoing and to drive the execution of criminal, disciplinary, and administrative actions.

In addressing youth unemployment, President Ramaphosa highlighted the success of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created two million work and livelihood opportunities since its inception. The program has particularly benefited women, with two-thirds of participants being female and around 84 percent aged between 18 and 35. Additionally, the Youth Employment Service, launched with the private sector in 2018, has provided over 150,000 work experience opportunities for young people.

Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa called for increased support from business partners to enhance employment programs, including those for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in townships and rural areas. He highlighted new job creation in tourism, agriculture, and green energy, as well as initiatives for work experience and demand-led training for youth.

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, including the SAYouth.mobi platform, continues to play a vital role in connecting unemployed young people with learning and earning opportunities. This zero-rated platform has been instrumental in providing access to resources and opportunities for youth across the country.

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed The Presidency's commitment to addressing these critical issues with ongoing dedication and collaboration.