The Gauteng government has bolstered its support services for survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), with 18 shelters providing a total of 363 beds across the province. This move is part of the government's efforts to improve access to safe accommodation, support services, and care for GBVF survivors. Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasized that the interventions aim to provide a safe haven for survivors.
The province has seven Thuthuzela Care Centres, which offer support to survivors of sexual violence. Additionally, psychosocial support services have reached tens of thousands of people over the past six months. Lesufi stated that strengthening places of safety and support for survivors was a priority added to the provincial plan. The government recognizes that it cannot only focus on bringing perpetrators to justice; it must also ensure that survivors have access to necessary support and protection.
To improve access to assistance, new referral tools have been introduced across all 43 protection-order courts. This move aims to streamline the process of seeking help for GBVF survivors. Lesufi stressed that protecting women and children is an absolute priority that demands immediate action. The government's efforts are geared towards providing a comprehensive support system for survivors.
The interventions form part of Gauteng's response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's September 29 address to the nation, in which he acknowledged that the government had not done enough to confront the country's GBVF crisis. Ramaphosa directed the government to fast-track gender-based violence cases, clear forensic backlogs, improve women's safety in high-risk areas, and reduce alcohol-related violence. The Gauteng government adopted a provincial implementation plan, supported by a weekly tracking and reporting system to monitor progress.
The province is also strengthening safety measures in communities through intensified visible policing in high-risk areas, expanded integrated closed-circuit television networks, and efforts to resolve technical problems affecting the e-Panic Button application. The government has been working with civil society organizations and the private sector, alongside programs aimed at engaging men in the fight against GBVF and supporting victims of human trafficking.
The province has reported progress in its efforts to improve law enforcement and address alcohol-related violence. Officials have conducted 7,322 liquor outlet inspections, resulting in the closure of 20 outlets, while 459 non-compliance notices were issued. A further 566 outlets were referred to the Liquor Inspectorate for additional compliance inspections. The province has also conducted 41 joint enforcement operations with relevant stakeholders.
Despite the progress, the province acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly forensic laboratory backlogs, outstanding case recovery information, and the need to accelerate municipal safety interventions. Lesufi emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that its interventions translate into tangible outcomes for women and children. The provincial government will continue to work towards providing a comprehensive support system for GBVF survivors.
Key points
- The Gauteng government has introduced new referral tools across all 43 protection-order courts to improve access to assistance for GBVF survivors.
- The province has seven Thuthuzela Care Centres, which provide support to survivors of sexual violence.
- The government has conducted 7,322 liquor outlet inspections, resulting in the closure of 20 outlets and the issuance of 459 non-compliance notices.
