GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IS EVERYONE’S ISSUE

By Cuma Pantshwa

• There is significant public demand to transition from strategic planning to the provision of concrete, trauma-informed services that effectively support survivors within their communities.
• Ending Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Requires Society’s Effort Government cannot end GBVF alone. Faith leaders, educators, families, and communities must take responsibility for the NSP.
• Young people and community advocates are driving the call for real accountability, local safety structures, and inclusive support systems.

With trauma, justice, and survivor support taking centre stage in national discourse, the South African government convened a high-level Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Roundtable at Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria. This engagement formed part of the 90-Day Accelerated Programme on GBVF, co-led by the Departments of Social Development and Justice and Constitutional Development, marking a significant step toward the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF.
Launched in 2020, the NSP was developed as South Africa’s multisectoral blueprint to end GBVF. However, frustrations have mounted over the slow pace of delivery, inadequate trauma support, and uneven access to justice. The roundtable aimed to directly address these issues, with a focus on closing service gaps, strengthening prevention efforts, and improving survivor care.

Responding to a Public Outcry

Programme Director Mr. Peter Netshipale, Director-General of the Department of Social Development, set the tone for the day by warmly welcoming representatives from government departments, civil society organisations, and members of the NATJOINTS intergovernmental committee. His opening remarks underscored the importance of collective action in addressing the national crisis of GBVF.
Ms. Setepane Mohale, Coordinator of the NATJOINTS Priority Committee, delivered a consolidated list of public demands compiled from multiple petitions. Chief among these was the urgent review of the Sexual Offences Act to better respond to sexual violence and ensure stronger accountability.
Other critical demands included:
•⁠ ⁠Stricter bail conditions for GBVF-related cases
•⁠ ⁠Minimum life sentences for convicted perpetrators
•⁠ ⁠Expanded access to shelters and trauma counselling
•⁠ ⁠Strengthening community safety initiatives and whistleblower protection
•⁠ ⁠Enhanced training for judicial officers
•⁠ ⁠Increased survivor support, legal protections, and public education campaigns
•⁠ ⁠Mohale confirmed that these demands had been shared with all relevant stakeholders.

Government’s Pledge to Act

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Deputy Director-General Ms Shoki Tshabalala emphasised that the NSP’s success depends on national collaboration.
“Gender-based violence is a societal issue. It cannot be left to government alone—it demands a multisectoral response. No one is exempt from the responsibility of implementing the National Strategic Plan. It is our collective plan.”
Minister of Social Development Ms. Sisisi Tolashe acknowledged the pain expressed by communities and committed to swift, coordinated action.
“GBVF remains one of the most widespread human rights violations affecting women and children. We are here to listen—and to act.”
The occasion drew senior representation across government, including Police Minister Mr Senzo Mchunu, MECs for Social Development from five provinces, and officials from Basic Education, Health, Correctional Services, and the NPA—underscoring the gravity of the crisis and the unified will to confront it.

From Talk to Tangible Support

The first thematic panel, Improving Victim Support and Social Services, focused on trauma-informed care. Dr. Zubeda Dangor of the National Shelter Movement highlighted the urgent need for additional shelters and sustainable funding.
“Women and children in our communities need safe spaces. But we can’t build these without reliable funding and political will.”

Young Voices Demand Local Action

Ms Khazimla Adam, Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, made a heartfelt plea for stronger community-level protection for children:
“We need street-level champions—teachers, pastors, neighbours—who see us, hear us, and take action when we are in danger.”
The call for practical, ground-up responses echoed throughout the day, as participants agreed that GBVF must be confronted not just through policy but through lived localized action. A room filled with civil society leaders, behavioural experts, faith-based organisations, and survivors echoed a single message; plans alone are not enough—implementation is what matters.

A Collective Responsibility

Deputy Director-General Ms. Siza Magangoe reminded participants that real change starts in the home:
“Families are the first line of defence. The NSP must not be seen as a government-only initiative. It is a shared social contract with every South African.”
The roundtable ended with a firm consensus: GBVF is not just a government issue. It is a national crisis that demands urgency, ownership, and accountability across every sector of society.