Premier Panyaza Lesufi has emphasized the critical need to confront gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) directly. He asserted that a successful fight against GBVF requires the collective efforts of both law enforcement agencies and local communities.
During his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Tshwane, Lesufi shared that more than 14,000 victims of GBVF received support to help them cope with the aftermath of their traumatic experiences.
“To further this effort, we have partnered with several institutions, including Wits University, the University of Johannesburg, North-West University (Vaal campus), Vaal University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Tshwane North College, the University of Pretoria, and Rosebank College, to intensify the fight against GBVF,” Lesufi said.
He highlighted some of the province’s key interventions, such as collaborating with Faith-Based Organisations and civil society groups to raise awareness about GBVF in communities. Additionally, more than 80,000 physical e-panic buttons have been distributed across Gauteng to enhance the safety of women and children.
“We’ve reached 400,000 households through the GBVF Brigades Outreach Programme in townships, informal settlements, and hostel (TISH) communities,” Lesufi added.
Over 3,000 GBVF victims have been referred to Social Workers and the South African Police Service for secondary psychosocial support and case investigations, respectively. More than 200 GBVF cases are being observed in courts, with victim support through court picketing and watching briefs to ensure the criminal justice system functions effectively.
“Additionally, we have rolled out 134 active green doors, offering victims a safe space, counselling, and guidance on pursuing cases against their abusers,” Lesufi said.
