A NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: THE ROLE OF THE NSP

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Precious Mupenzi

  • At the National Strategic Plan (NSP) Indaba on 17 October 2024, Advocate Brenda Madumise highlighted the profound impact of the 2018 Total Shutdown march against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which catalysed the formation of the NSP aimed at a unified response to this urgent crisis.
  • She detailed the NSP’s six strategic pillars, emphasising the critical role of economic empowerment in breaking the cycle of abuse.
  • Despite progress, Madumise warned of enduring societal challenges and called for collective accountability across all sectors to ensure the NSP becomes a dynamic framework for real change in South Africa’s fight against GBVF.

In a powerful presentation at the National Strategic Plan (NSP) Indaba on 17 October 2024, Advocate Brenda Madumise emphasised that the 2018 Total Shutdown march against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) shook the entire nation, igniting an urgent call for united action. This landmark initiative in South Africa’s fight against GBV signalled the need for immediate and coordinated efforts from all sectors of society, ultimately leading to the formulation of the NSP, which now guides the country’s strategy to combat this scourge.

“The Total Shutdown march marked a pivotal turning point for the country,” said Adv. Madumise from Wise4Africa. “It was a powerful demonstration by women and marginalised groups, calling for an end to the impunity, inequality, and structural violence that have allowed GBVF to persist in our society. It is because of their courage and voices that we are here today.”

The march catalysed the development of the NSP, which outlines a comprehensive response to GBVF, addressing not only the immediate needs of survivors but also the underlying causes. This plan, with its six strategic pillars, aims to shift the country’s approach from reactive to proactive, prioritising prevention and addressing systemic failures.

Adv. Madumise explained that the NSP is built on six key pillars, each focusing on a different aspect of the fight against GBVF. These pillars include: prevention and rebuilding social cohesion; justice, safety, and protection; response, care, support, and healing (with the Department of Social Development (DSD) as the lead department); economic power; accountability, coordination, and leadership; and research and information management.

Madumise stressed that Pillar 4, led by the DSD, is particularly crucial as it focuses on empowering women economically. Economic dependence often traps victims in abusive relationships, and breaking that cycle is vital for creating long-term solutions. “We cannot underestimate the power of economic independence in reducing vulnerabilities. Women must be able to support themselves and their families if we are to see lasting change,” she noted.

While progress has been made, the presentation acknowledged that deep-rooted challenges continue to fuel GBVF in South Africa. These include patriarchy, cultural practices, and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality. As Adv. Madumise highlighted, the fight against GBVF is far from over: “The normalisation and minimisation of violence, coupled with systemic inadequacies, result in a lack of safety for women and children. The violence we witness today is not new—it is the legacy of centuries of inequality, and it will take more than just legislation to dismantle it.”

She also spoke about the alarming lack of accountability within various sectors that has contributed to the ongoing crisis. “We are dealing with a situation where the system is largely ineffective in responding to survivors’ needs. We need to ensure that the institutions tasked with protecting women and children are held accountable and that the laws we have in place are enforced rigorously,” she said.

Advocate Madumise called on all sectors—government, civil society, the private sector, and individuals—to take responsibility for addressing GBVF. “This is not a problem for government alone. It is a societal issue that requires a collective response. Every person, every organisation, and every institution has a role to play in eradicating this violence.”

In her closing remarks, she reiterated the importance of the NSP as a tool for change but also urged continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure its success. “We cannot afford complacency. We must remain vigilant, hold each other accountable, and ensure that the NSP is not just a document but a living, breathing framework that guides our actions every day.”

The NSP has set in motion an ambitious plan to tackle GBVF in South Africa, but as Advocate Madumise reminded attendees, the success of this plan relies on action at every level. The Department of Social Development, as the leader of Pillar 4, is tasked with ensuring that women gain the economic power needed to break free from abusive situations.

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