MINISTER SISISI TOLASHE CALLS FOR UNIFIED EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GBV

Cuma Pantshwa 

• South Africa launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in Rustenburg, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile urging men to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
• Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe highlighted the country’s ongoing struggle with GBV and outlined key initiatives, including expanded support centres, a strengthened social workforce, and legislative reforms.
• This year’s campaign, themed 30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, emphasises prevention, economic empowerment, and community partnerships to break the cycle of violence and stigma.

Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe, delivered an impassioned address highlighting the urgency of eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. She reflected on the nation’s progress since the dawn of democracy, tempered by the frustration of persisting violence.

“After 30 years of democracy, women and children are still experiencing high levels of violence,” she said, calling for collective accountability and bold action to address the crisis.

While the 16 Days of Activism serves as a rallying point, Minister Tolashe stressed the Department of Social Development’s commitment to 365 days of activism. This approach aligns with the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), adopted in 2020 to drive a coordinated national response.

This year’s theme, 30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, focuses on prevention and economic empowerment as critical pillars. The campaign aims to address root causes, foster positive masculinity, and enhance women’s and children’s economic independence to build resilience.

Minister Tolashe highlighted several key initiatives that reflect progress in combating GBV:

Khuseleka One Stop Centres (KOSC): In partnership with the Department of Public Works, these centres provide comprehensive support for GBV survivors.

National Emergency Response Team (NERT): Offers immediate psychosocial support to survivors within 72 hours, reducing the long-term impact of trauma.

Strengthened Workforce: The addition of 200 social workers bolsters shelters and victim-friendly facilities.

Community Outreach: Over 100 GBV ambassadors deployed in 30 hotspot areas and 2,000 men engaged in promoting positive masculinity.

Legislative Reforms: The proposed Victim Support Services Bill aims to protect victims’ rights and ensure justice is centred on their needs.

Minister Tolashe underscored the vital role of partnerships with NGOs, community-based organisations, faith groups, and the private sector. She called for a multisectoral approach to unite stakeholders in tackling GBV comprehensively.

In her closing remarks, Minister Tolashe urged South Africans to break the silence that perpetuates violence:

“We cannot end gender-based violence and femicide if we do not break the silence, overcome stigma, and report cases to authorities for prompt response and follow-up. The protection and care for victims of GBV takes collective efforts; no institution or individual alone can eliminate this impediment to full rights, gender equality and development efforts.”