President Ramaphosa Signed Anti-GBV and Anti-Corruption Bills into Law

On Friday, May 24, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill and the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill during a ceremony at the Union Buildings.

The Presidency highlighted that the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill was a “critical step forward in ensuring the safety and security of women from all walks of life.”

“The establishment of a council dedicated to driving a whole-of-society approach to combat this scourge is fundamental,” stated the Presidency. “The council will be the statutory body charged with providing strategic leadership in the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.”

Simultaneously, the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Investigative Directorate against Corruption. This new directorate aims to consolidate and strengthen the capacity to investigate serious, high-profile, or complex corruption, as well as commercial and financial crimes.

“The Directorate, which will over time incorporate the existing Investigating Directorate, will have investigative capacity with priority given to particularly serious criminal or unlawful conduct,” explained the Presidency. “The legislation ensures that the Directorate will be provided with the infrastructure and resources needed to perform its functions effectively.”