Scrutiny of Gender-Based Violence Efforts in Southern Africa Following Killings

A series of killings in South Africa has renewed scrutiny of efforts to combat violence against women. Activists state that laws alone are insufficient without effective implementation. On Thursday, police in South Africa discovered the partially naked body of Dineo M., a 38-year-old woman who had been beaten and stabbed to death in Ekurhuleni, a municipality on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. This incident is part of a series of killings of women in their 20s and 30s in Ekurhuleni over the past two months. Dineo's sister, Carol, expressed her grief, stating, "We sit here today and we will never see her walk through the door. Her 2-year-old has no idea what is going on." Authorities have indicated that it is unclear whether the killings are linked but have noted similarities and issued an alert for women in Ekurhuleni to take precautions. Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stated that there is currently no conclusive evidence linking the killings to a serial killer, but investigations are ongoing. The deaths have prompted families and communities to question whether existing measures are sufficient to protect women. South African Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, emphasized the need to address violence against women, stating, "Please, stop it. Stop raping women. Stop insulting women. Stop financially abusing women." Naledi Masipa, campaigns manager at Gender Links, an NGO promoting gender justice across Southern Africa, noted that having laws and policies does not automatically change community dynamics. Amnesty International South Africa highlighted the need to recognize the gendered nature of killings, with research assistant Tegan Snyman stating that femicide is not recognized as a distinct crime. In Botswana, Natasha Rampa from the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs reported that at least 37% of women have experienced violence in their lifetimes. A joint program launched by Botswana and the United Nations focuses on prevention and survivor-centered services. Zambia also faces persistent gender-based violence despite existing laws and programs. Anne Mbewe-Anamela, executive director of the Non-Governmental Coordinating Council in Zambia, emphasized that GBV is rooted in power and inequality. Activists across the region stress the importance of making protection, support, and justice effective in practice, as families like Dineo's feel the personal impact of these issues.