Gauteng municipalities have been given a seven-day ultimatum to start safety audits in areas identified as high-risk spots for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). This forms part of the provincial plan to combat the scourge, which was outlined by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during a briefing on Friday. The plan aims to address the root causes of GBVF and ensure that municipalities take proactive steps to prevent these crimes.
The safety audits will focus on identifying hazards such as broken streetlights, abandoned buildings, overgrown spaces, and unsafe transport routes. These are areas that have been identified as contributing to the high rates of GBVF in the province. Premier Lesufi emphasized that these are day-to-day service delivery-related matters that do not require a national directive to address. He added that a coordinated approach will ensure that these issues are tackled effectively.
An inter-ministerial committee has been established to oversee the implementation of the plan, and will meet weekly to review progress. The committee will work closely with municipalities to ensure that the safety audits are conducted expeditiously. Premier Lesufi has set a target of 70 days to complete the safety audits, which is 20 days ahead of the national target of 90 days.
The plan also includes widespread intervention in the police service to ensure that GBVF cases are handled effectively. Premier Lesufi emphasized that the provincial government is committed to working with the police to ensure that perpetrators of GBVF are brought to justice. The 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is held annually in November, will provide an opportunity for the province to review progress on the implementation of the plan.
GBVF was classified as a national disaster during the same period last year, and the provincial government has taken steps to address the issue. The safety audits are part of a broader strategy to combat GBVF, which includes providing support to victims and working with communities to prevent these crimes. Premier Lesufi emphasized that the provincial government is committed to making a meaningful impact in the fight against GBVF.
The Gauteng provincial government has also announced plans to boost resources at the top 10 rape hotspot police precincts. This move aims to enhance the capacity of the police to respond to GBVF cases effectively. The provincial government has also called on municipalities to take a proactive approach to addressing GBVF, and to work closely with the police and other stakeholders to prevent these crimes.
The implementation of the safety audits and other measures to combat GBVF will be closely monitored by the provincial government. Premier Lesufi has emphasized that the provincial government is committed to ensuring that the plan is implemented effectively, and that progress will be reviewed regularly. The 16 Days of Activism campaign will provide an opportunity for the province to review progress and make adjustments to the plan as necessary.
Key points
- Gauteng municipalities have seven days to start safety audits in areas identified as high-risk spots for gender-based violence and femicide.
- The safety audits will focus on identifying hazards such as broken streetlights, abandoned buildings, and overgrown spaces.
- The provincial government aims to complete the safety audits within 70 days, ahead of the national target of 90 days.
