SowetanLive reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa told dozens of women and civil organisations on Thursday that the government was looking into decriminalising sex work.  

He was speaking in Oakdene, Johannesburg, where he signed a gender-based violence declaration and opened a newly-built court building.  The president told his audience that the government and its partners were working to review existing laws and policies that related to gender-based violence and femicide to determine if these were still adequate.  "We will finalise the outstanding legislation such as the prevention and combating [of] hate crime, the hate crime bill and victim support services.  We will work with all stakeholders to develop policy around the decriminalisation of sex work," the president indicated.  His comments were greeted by loud cheers from women activists and members of nongovernmental organisations against gender-based violence.  He also said there was a need for the government to investigate harmful religious and cultural practices that led to the exploitation of women and children.

• Read the full original of Pertunia Mafokwane’s report on this story at SowetanLive

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