A High Court in South Africa has thrown a lifeline for victims of rape in South Africa after ruling that sections of the country's Sexual Offence Act were unconstitutional.

The judgement is still to be confirmed by the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court.

If confirmed it will mean persons accused of sexual offences can no longer use "the belief that consent was given" as a defence against rape allegations.

They have to make certain that consent is given.

A crucial step against gender-based violence in a country that has seen nearly 9500 cases of rape reported between April and June 2024.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Lee-Anne Germanos Manuel, a Director of The Embrace Project.