PREMIER LESUFI CALLS FOR BOLD ACTION TO TACKLE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN GAUTENG

By Sipho Ncube

• Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi urges strong accountability measures to confront Gender Based Violence and its root causes, including substance abuse.
• The Gauteng Provincial Government launches the 16 Days of Activism programme, calling for collective action from communities, civil society, and the creative sector.
• MEC Faith Mazibuko announces the forthcoming Gender Based Violence and Femicide Council, which will strengthen monitoring, prevention, and community mobilisation.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for bold and decisive action in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), emphasising the urgent need for society-wide accountability. He was speaking on Tuesday (02 December 2025) during the Gauteng Provincial Government’s launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
The gathering held at Orlando Communal Hall in Soweto marked the beginning of the provincial programme themed “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End Gender Based Violence and Femicide.” The campaign aims to unite government, civil society, and communities in confronting violence against women and children.
Premier Lesufi highlighted the link between substance abuse and GBV, saying the province can no longer ignore contributing factors.
“We cannot have a tavern on every street corner. If we are serious about confronting gender-based violence, we must be honest about its source. Alcohol and drugs play a major role, and the problem is worsened by poor monitoring of liquor outlets when they open, when they close, and their responsibility not to sell alcohol to children. If we fail to enforce this, we will raise a nation of drunks,” said Lesufi.
He also urged the creative industry to reflect more responsibly on the content it produces.
“It cannot be that most television content is either kissing or killing. Artists and producers need to be more creative and contribute to building a balanced society,” he added.
Faith Mazibuko, the MEC for Social Development, announced the upcoming launch of the Gender Based Violence and Femicide Council. Under the leadership of the Premier, this council will provide direction to the Provincial Government in monitoring Gender Based Violence cases and coordinating community volunteers to support both prevention and response efforts.