Urgent GBVF Action Required Post National Disaster Declaration

The classification of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a National Disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2002, has generat...

The classification of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a National Disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2002, has generated varied responses from important stakeholders.

They emphasize that this important legal measure needs to be accompanied by real action, responsibility, and ongoing political commitment to prevent it from turning into another empty vow.

This comes after a successful nationwide initiative by Women For Change, supported by a petition gathering more than 1.1 million signatures, urging the designation of GBVF as a National Emergency.

The initiative reached its peak with a nationwide closure on Friday, as thousands of South Africans silently demonstrated.

Social Development Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe expressed approval of the decision, noting that it highlights the seriousness of the situation and emphasizes the importance of immediate, collaborative, and ongoing efforts throughout the nation.

"This choice highlights that GBVF is not a personal or isolated issue but a national crisis that demands immediate and collective efforts," she stated.

GBVF impacts every part of society, such as women, children, individuals with disabilities, and those in the LGBTQIA+ group, highlighting the need for robust collaboration and efficient oversight.

"The Department of Social Development sees this decision as a significant boost to its efforts in safeguarding the most vulnerable. The classification allows the department to enhance support for survivors by offering shelters, safe areas, counseling services, and community-focused prevention initiatives," Tolashe said.

She observed that the statement enhances collaboration with the criminal justice, health, police, and education sectors to ensure survivors get prompt support.

"The choice strengthens the country's ability to monitor and report, making sure that community groups and collaborators stay in line with the disaster management system," she said.

Co-executive director of Sonke Gender Justice, Bafana Khumalo, cautiously praised the announcement, referring to it as a significant milestone in the effort to combat GBVF.

Khumalo pointed out that civil society had been advocating for a thorough approach to GBVF for many years, which resulted in two national summits organized by the president and the creation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that the plan did not have a clear method of execution, especially when it came to financial support from company funds and the UK government.

"Once again guided by women, civil society was responsible for urging the government to recognize GBVF as a national crisis," Khumalo said.

He stated that this declaration establishes a legal structure for the state to effectively and systematically mobilize resources to address GBVF in a thorough manner.

Khumalo emphasized that additional efforts are required to make sure that regulations cover all significant issues related to GBVF.

"We are eager for substantial interaction with the relevant ministry... to ensure that this does not become yet another empty commitment. The women and girls of South Africa deserve more," he concluded.

The General Manager of Operations at the TEARS Foundation, Celeste Louw, commended Women for Change for their effective initiative in getting GBVF recognized as a National Disaster.

Nevertheless, Louw voiced worry that the government's reaction lacks sufficient responsibility and real-world execution of the procedures and pledges made since the president categorized GBVF as a national emergency in 2020.

As the TEARS Foundation, we question what this signifies for those affected on the ground?

RISE Mzansi completely supports the declaration, emphasizing that this important legal action must guarantee that current protections are implemented and enhanced, allowing every woman, child, and LGBTQIA+ individuals to reside without fear.

In areas where violence occurs, there should be assurance that the legal system will respond appropriately.

Party representative Mabine Seabe stated that this crisis demands a comprehensive approach, going beyond mere safety measures.

This involves policies focused on employment, drug addiction, and economic circumstances, fields where the National Disaster Declaration should be involved.

Nevertheless, Seabe emphasized that the main cause of this epidemic is the offenders' absence of fear regarding repercussions, which "needs to end."

The party emphasized that the National Disaster declaration should require regular reporting: the NPA to provide updates on GBVF case numbers and prosecution rates, SAPS to report on GBVF dockets and cases (particularly rape), and Stats SA to share data on the female unemployment rate.

The Commission for Gender Equality also requires resources to fully carry out its gender equality mission, including oversight, inquiry, awareness campaigns, and guidance, it stated.

Additionally, the Parliament is required to obtain a report from the Executive and its agencies regarding the effects of the National Disaster.

"Great recognition should be given to the women of South Africa, Women for Change, and other civil society groups that have brought us to this stage. Within a year, we need to have achieved progress; otherwise, the announcement of the National Disaster would only be symbolic. More than ever, political determination is essential," Seabe stated.

Ilitha Labantu, a group fighting against gender-based violence, has consistently issued public statements that have become a regular part of the national conversation, even during the present government's tenure.

Nevertheless, spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali pointed out that these pledges have not resulted in continuous execution or significant effect for those individuals who are most impacted.

"Classifying GBVF as a health crisis while ignoring the underlying structural and institutional factors that allow it to persist may perpetuate a cycle of symbolic acknowledgment without real change," Monakali stated.

He stated that although legal systems are in place to protect women's rights, there are still significant issues with how these laws are put into practice and enforced.

"Survivors still encounter disjointed services, slow justice, and insufficient assistance from government bodies. This leads to a long-standing culture of immunity, where violence is seen as routine and responsibility is hard to come by," he added.

Monakali emphasized that this moment should mark a clear transition from occasional discussions and symbolic actions to thorough, well-supported, and survivor-focused initiatives.

He highlighted that this method necessitates a unified, cross-sectoral effort combining prevention, psychological support, medical care, legal systems, and community-focused safeguarding measures.

"Key to this is the necessity of having clear accountability systems, long-term financial support for frontline assistance services, and the introduction of programs grounded in research that tackle the underlying reasons for violence," Monakali concluded.

He cautioned that South Africa cannot tolerate a recurrence of situations where anger is voiced but underlying issues stay unaddressed.

The seriousness of this statement needs to be matched with concrete actions, supported by political determination and long-term dedication. Any lesser effort will keep threatening the safety, respect, and quality of life for women, children, and those in need in South Africa.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

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