Ramaphosa disappointed by Parliament for delays in setting up GBV council

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa said he’s deeply disappointed by Parliament for the delays in setting up the gender-based violence (GBV) council.

He went as far as to suggest that members of Parliament (MPs) have been derelict in their duty.

Almost a year since the act was signed, Ramaphosa said if it were up to him, the council would already be up and running.

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Ramaphosa said concerns over the budget for the council can only be sorted out once appointments have been made.

Parliament’s committee on women and youth, which is responsible for setting up the GBV council, has for several months expressed concern about the lack of a budget, and that civil society representatives might not be compensated.

In July, the committee mulled amending the legislation to better clarify the scope, mandate and functions of the council.

But answering questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ramaphosa assured the house that the National Treasury will come to the table and funding should not be the reason for further delays.

“My wish would have been that I should set it up because we would have moved on. But because you are averse to having a dictator, which is a good thing, you’ve delayed in setting up this council.”

Despite attempts by some MPs to pin the blame on him, Ramaphosa said the criticism was misdirected and reflected badly on the promises he’s made to women to deal with GBV.

“As much as I’m to blame for many things, for everything that happens in the country, this is one area, my dear honourable sister, where I’m not to blame for.”

R5 million has already been allocated for the council’s secretariat and Ramaphosa said more funds will be allocated to the body for its expected establishment by April 2026.