Abstract

The number of reported cases of sexual offences is rapidly increasing in South Africa. Parliament has responded to this phenomenon by making various important legislative reforms. Our Constitution recognises, however, that beyond legislative reform, our courts must ensure the transformation of society to ensure that South Africa truly belongs to all who live in it. This means that the courts must confront patriarchal norms entrenched in South Africa’s criminal justice system and in the law itself. The courts have responded to this challenge with commendable vigour. The most recent development is the Constitutional Court’s decision in Tshabalala v S. This case demonstrates the role that our courts can and must play during the ‘pandemic’ of sexual and gender-based violence.