Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
By Nkosana Khumalo
In a significant move to address the escalating crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in Mpumalanga, Premier Mandla Ndlovu inaugurated the Provincial Council on GBVF on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, in Secunda. This initiative underscores the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating GBVF and rectifying deep-seated societal inequalities.
A Unified Front Against GBVF
The newly established council aims to enhance access to essential services for GBVF victims, including shelters, counselling, legal support, and healthcare. It brings together a diverse coalition comprising government representatives, civil society organizations, the private sector, and traditional leadership. Premier Ndlovu will serve as the co-chairperson, ensuring cohesive and coordinated efforts across all sectors.
“Through the provincial structure, we are bringing together government, civil society, and the private sector to create a collective response to GBVF,” Premier Ndlovu stated. “This structure will effectively coordinate all GBVF intervention programmes in our quest to eliminate the pandemic.”
Rising Incidents Demand Immediate Action
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming statistics. Sexual offences in Mpumalanga have seen a distressing increase, rising from 641 cases in March 2022 to 746 in March 2023. This surge highlights the critical need for a robust and immediate response to protect vulnerable individuals and communities.
Strategic Framework for Implementation
The council is tasked with developing an actionable plan aligned with the recently approved Provincial Strategic Plan on GBVF (PSP-GBVF). This plan will serve as a roadmap, detailing specific strategies and interventions designed to prevent GBVF, support survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
Collective Commitment to Change
At the conclusion of the launch event, all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society members, and private sector representatives, signed a pledge reaffirming their dedication to combating GBVF. This collective commitment signifies a unified resolve to create a safer and more equitable society for all residents of Mpumalanga.
National Alignment and Support
This provincial initiative aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national declaration of GBVF as a crisis and a second pandemic. The establishment of the Provincial Council on GBVF reflects a concerted effort to implement national strategies at the provincial level, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to tackling this pervasive issue.
