This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
Published on September 13, 2019, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he will not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York.
Instead, he will focus on addressing the country's pressing domestic issues, including the recent surge in xenophobic violence and attacks on women.
According to his spokeswoman, Mr. Ramaphosa has decided to remain in South Africa to oversee the implementation of government measures aimed at combating gender-based violence, restoring order in areas affected by public violence, and turning around the economy.
The decision comes as South Africa grapples with a growing crisis of violence against women, following a series of high-profile rape cases and murders. President Ramaphosa has pledged to take action, including making public a register of offenders, increasing the number of dedicated sexual offences courts, and imposing harsher sentences.
Recent crime statistics have revealed a significant rise in sexual offences and murder rates over the past year, further highlighting the need for urgent action.
