The Commission for Gender Equality, South African Human Rights Commission, and Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities have extended the Joint National Inquiry into the reporting, victim support, investigation, and pre-trial functioning of the criminal justice system's response to gender-based violence and femicide. This decision follows a significant public response to the call for submissions, demonstrating a broad commitment to strengthening South Africa's response to GBVF.
The submissions received so far have come from diverse groups, including victims and survivors, families, civil society and community-based organisations, researchers, legal practitioners, service providers, academics, institutions, and members of the public. The National Inquiry aims to address the persistent issue of violence against women in South Africa and concerns about systemic shortcomings in the criminal justice system's response to GBVF.
Despite various policy commitments and institutional mandates, the three Commissions identified a need to examine the challenges within the system and areas requiring improvement. The Inquiry is established in accordance with the constitutional mandate of Chapter 9 institutions to promote, protect, monitor, and assess the observance of constitutional rights and make recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability, equality, dignity, and access to justice.
The National Joint Inquiry seeks to hold duty bearers accountable for issues, challenges, and improvements necessary for the justice system. The Inquiry is based on the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, particularly Pillar 3, which focuses on strengthening the criminal justice system's response through improved investigation, prosecution, survivor protection, integrated case management, institutional accountability, and coordination between relevant State institutions.
The Inquiry will be conducted in different phases, with the first phase focusing on Stage 1: Survivor Testimony and Lived Experiences and Stage 2: Pre-Trial Functioning and Accountability within the criminal justice system. The public participation process will provide an opportunity for affected individuals and stakeholders to share their experiences, identify systemic challenges, and contribute to recommendations aimed at improving the response to GBVF.
The inquiry is scheduled to take place at Braampark Office Park in Braamfontein from 29 September to 02 October 2026. This event will bring together various stakeholders to engage with the Inquiry and contribute to the development of recommendations aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system's response to GBVF.
The extension of the National GBVF inquiry reflects the government's commitment to addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. The Inquiry's outcomes are expected to inform policy and institutional reforms aimed at improving the response to GBVF and promoting a safer and more just society for all.
Key points
- The National GBVF inquiry has been extended due to an overwhelming public response, with submissions received from diverse groups, including victims and survivors, families, and civil society organisations.
- The Inquiry aims to strengthen the criminal justice system's response to GBVF through improved investigation, prosecution, survivor protection, and institutional accountability.
- The public participation process will provide an opportunity for affected individuals and stakeholders to share their experiences and contribute to recommendations aimed at improving the response to GBVF.
