KZN Premier Ntuli
By Nkosana Khumalo
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – 17 March 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has emphasised the critical role that digital initiatives can play in addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Speaking after a high-level brainstorming session with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) stakeholders, Ntuli stressed that technology is no longer just an option – it’s a must-have tool to fight this crisis. “We must explore innovative ways to use technology as a weapon against GBVF. Digital platforms can provide immediate access to support services, real-time emergency assistance, and critical legal resources for victims, particularly students and young women who are vulnerable to abuse,” he said.
A Bold Step Forward with Tech
The Premier’s comments come hot on the heels of a recent meeting in Durban, where he brought together ICT experts, government officials, and business leaders. The goal? To find smart, tech-based ways to tackle GBVF, especially for students at universities and colleges who face growing risks. “The session aimed to explore technological solutions to address the rising tide of GBVF, with particular attention given to the alarming impact on students in higher education institutions,” Ntuli explained.
This push isn’t out of the blue. It ties into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2020 declaration that GBVF is a “national pandemic” – a wake-up call that’s sparked action nationwide. In KZN, where rape and femicide stats are some of the country’s worst, Ntuli’s making it clear: technology can turn the tide. A Central News report from 12 March 2025 highlighted the launch of the “GBVF Mobile App” last week at Durban University of Technology – proof the province is already moving fast.
Key Areas to Watch
The brainstorming session wasn’t just talk – it laid out a game plan. Here’s what they zeroed in on:
• Tech-based emergency response systems: Think mobile apps that let victims call for help instantly or alert platforms that ping security when trouble strikes.
• Digital awareness campaigns: Using social media and online tools to teach people how to spot and stop GBVF before it starts.
• AI-driven safety monitoring: Artificial intelligence could track crime hotspots, helping police and communities focus where it’s needed most.
• Public-private partnerships: Getting ICT companies, businesses, and government to team up for bigger, better solutions.Ntuli’s excited about a new tool called TechServy Systems, cooked up with ICT partners. It’s a data-driven platform that tracks GBVF cases in real time, connects victims to help, and makes support services easier to reach. “He commended the business sector and ICT industry for their willingness to partner with the government in developing TechServy Systems,” a statement from his office confirmed.
Why This Matters in KZN
KZN’s got a GBVF problem – and it’s not small. Between October and December 2024, eThekwini alone reported over 2 000 cases, according to EWN on 12 March 2025. Province-wide, KZN ranks fourth for rape cases nationally, with hotspots like Inanda and uMlazi reeling from violence. Ntuli’s not mincing words: “Leveraging technology is no longer optional but essential in tackling the crisis effectively.”
Take the “GBVF Mobile App” as an example. Launched on 13 March 2025, it’s already linking students to emergency services, security teams, and legal aid. Bongani Gina, the Premier’s spokesperson, told IOL it’s a direct response to Ramaphosa’s pandemic call – and it’s just the start. Posts on X show people buzzing about it, with one user saying, “This app could save lives – Ntuli’s onto something.”
From Talk to Action
The ICT session didn’t end with handshakes and promises. Stakeholders agreed to fast-track digital solutions, rolling them out across KZN’s towns and cities. “The meeting concluded with stakeholders agreeing on practical steps to fast-track the development and implementation of digital safety solutions across KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli said. It’s a proactive stance, building on efforts like the 173 GBVF activists stationed at police stations since December 2024, per SAnews.
Ntuli’s doubling down on this tech-first approach. “This session marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to integrate ICT innovations into our fight against GBVF,” he said. He’s got a vision: every victim gets help fast, every perpetrator faces justice, and every community feels safer – all thanks to digital tools.
Extra Firepower: What’s New
This isn’t Ntuli’s first rodeo with GBVF. Back in November 2024, he kicked off the 16 Days of Activism campaign, vowing a 365-day fight, not just a seasonal one. IOL reported on 10 December 2024 that he’s pushing policy reforms, more funding for survivors, and partnerships with groups like the UN and South African Breweries. The “No Excuse” campaign, tackling toxic masculinity, is one standout collab.
Then there’s the numbers. Ntuli’s State of the Province Address on 28 February 2025 (gov.za) revealed KZN’s crime woes – 124 GBVF cases at one Estcourt Thuthuzela Centre alone last year. But he’s not stopping at stats. A Power 98.7 piece from December 2024 noted his hands-on approach, honouring victims like Nontobeko Cele and pushing for justice in cases like Sphindiwe Hlongwa’s murder (SAnews, 7 March 2025).
Challenges and Hope
It’s not all smooth sailing. Funding’s tight – the national GBVF Response Fund’s R21 billion over three years (stateofthenation.gov.za) has to stretch far. Plus, tech needs power and internet, and rural KZN’s still patchy – only 65% of households have reliable access, per Stats SA 2024. Ntuli’s banking on private sector muscle to bridge that gap.
But there’s hope. The app’s early success – over 500 downloads in its first weekend, per X chatter – shows people want this. And with AI and partnerships in the mix, KZN could set a blueprint for South Africa. “Our government is dedicated to ensuring that every victim has access to immediate help, every perpetrator is held accountable, and every community is safer through digital transformation,” Ntuli said.
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