The Gauteng government has bolstered its support services for survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), with 18 shelters providing 363 beds across the province. Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the developments as part of the province's response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's directives to tackle the GBVF crisis. The new shelters and services aim to improve access to safe accommodation, support, and care for GBVF survivors.
The province has seven Thuthuzela Care Centres that provide support to survivors of sexual violence. In the past six months, psychosocial support services have reached tens of thousands of people. Lesufi emphasized that strengthening places of safety and support for survivors is a priority, alongside bringing perpetrators to justice. The government has introduced new referral tools across all 43 protection-order courts to improve access to assistance.
The interventions are part of Gauteng's response to Ramaphosa's September 29 address, in which he acknowledged the government's inadequate response to the GBVF crisis. Ramaphosa directed the government to fast-track gender-based violence cases, clear forensic backlogs, and improve women's safety in high-risk areas. Following an intergovernmental relations meeting on October 2, the Gauteng government adopted a provincial implementation plan with a weekly tracking and reporting system.
The province is strengthening safety measures in communities through intensified visible policing in high-risk areas and expanded integrated closed-circuit television networks. The government is also working with civil society organisations and the private sector to engage men in the fight against GBVF and support victims of human trafficking. Efforts to resolve technical problems affecting the e-Panic Button application are also underway.
The government has made progress in improving law enforcement and addressing alcohol-related violence. Officials have conducted 7,322 liquor outlet inspections, resulting in the closure of 20 outlets and 459 non-compliance notices 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.
On municipal safety, Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni were reported to be fully compliant with safety standards and submitting regular progress reports. Safety audits were between 60% and 80% complete in most municipalities. The provincial government said urgent hazards identified during the audits would be repaired or incorporated into funded action plans within 90 days, with detailed results and updates to be published online.
Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly forensic laboratory backlogs and outstanding case recovery information. Lesufi said the government remained committed to ensuring that its interventions translated into tangible outcomes for women and children. Protecting women and children is an absolute priority that demands immediate action, as delayed justice is no justice at all, he added.
Key points
- The Gauteng government has strengthened support services for GBVF survivors with 18 shelters providing 363 beds.
- The province has seven Thuthuzela Care Centres providing support to survivors of sexual violence.
- The government has made progress in improving law enforcement and addressing alcohol-related violence.
