Government determined to tackle GBVF scourge

Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) is a “stain” on South Africa’s conscience which government is working hard to eliminate.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was delivering oral replies to questions posed by members of the National Assembly on Tuesday.

In his response on the establishment of the National Council on GBVF, the President said the council is a vital part of the country’s response to the scourge.

“It is vital that the National Council on Gender-Based

Violence and Femicide is established with the authority and resources outlined in the Act. The interim allocation of R5 million for the secretariat is a transitional measure, enabling the coordination of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan against GBVF.

“To ensure that the National Council is able to fulfil its critical functions, National Treasury has approved the Council as a separate sub programme with ring-fenced funds from 1 April 2026. The Council is planned for establishment from 1 April 2026, following due processes,” he said.

Ahead of the establishment of the council, Ministers have “nominated government representatives to the Council” with the relevant Parliamentary Portfolio Committee expected to call for civil society and private sector nominations.

Furthermore, the Board of the council will appoint the CEO and the secretariat staff.

National plan against GBVF

The President highlighted that the strength of the National Strategic Plan [on GBVF] lies in “mobilising multiple stakeholders and mainstreaming this work across government”. 

“Every government department and entity is expected to contribute to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan within its mandate, while the National Council provides leadership and oversight.

“All relevant government departments have dedicated funds towards the implementation of those pillars of the National Strategic Plan that fall within their respective areas of responsibility,” the President said.

The implementation of the NSP is also ongoing in the form of the GBVF National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) awareness campaigns, operational sexual offences courts and Thuthuzela Care Centres, psychosocial support and integrated services through the Department of Social Development, Khuseleka One-Stop Centres and the GBV Command Centre.

“There is also progress with economic empowerment initiatives, mainly through improving the access of women-owned businesses to procurement opportunities in both government and the private sector. These initiatives show that the National Strategic Plan is a living framework. 

“The National Council is expected, once operational, to accelerate this progress through stronger oversight, coordination and accountability. Gender-based violence and femicide is a stain on the conscience of our nation.

“The National Council is an important instrument in strengthening our response to this epidemic, ensuring that all South Africans are mobilised to ensure that is brought to an end,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za