Government launches 90-day blitz to tackle gender-based violence and femicide

The operation follows an urgent meeting on 14 April 2025 under the leadership of Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi and Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu aimed at addressing the national crisis that has left communities shattered and survivors seeking urgent redress. 

The gathering culminated in the establishment of a new acceleration programme to expedite the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which aims for a robust, unified national response and measurable outcomes. Among the key decisions made was the revitalisation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF, with a formal request to President Cyril Ramaphosa for its re-establishment. The committee is set to meet for the first time within two weeks to serve as a pivotal coordinating body for government interventions. 

The cluster's commitment to combatting GBVF extends beyond high-level decisions; a dedicated GBVF Priority Committee will be set up within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure. This committee will be co-chaired by the departments of Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, with a clear aim of improving responsiveness on the ground. 

Recognising the limitations of a top-down approach, officials underscored the importance of activating JCPS structures at the provincial level. Newly established Provincial JCPS Committees will focus on tailored, localised interventions while effectively mobilising communities to join the fight against GBVF. 

A unified response to combat GBVF 

In addressing systemic inefficiencies, a team of senior officials has been tasked with critically reviewing and aligning processes across police, prosecutorial, and correctional services to eliminate delays in the handling of GBVF cases. Recognising that numbers tell a story, departments are also mandated to consolidate all GBVF-related statistics into a single comprehensive report, providing transparency and accountability. 

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) is set to play a crucial role in this initiative by coordinating a national webinar on GBVF, equipping officials with targeted communication training aimed at fostering consistent messaging and enhancing public engagement. Meanwhile, the accelerated rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres is promised to offer holistic care and survivor-centred services across all provinces. 

In a proactive measure, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is prioritising the urgent repair and maintenance of SOS systems needed in court facilities, ensuring both the safety of survivors and the integrity of judicial proceedings. This meeting, however, transcends mere policy; it stresses the urgent need to rebuild societal frameworks, especially family units, as foundational elements in long-term prevention strategies. 

The JCPS Cluster affirmed that reclaiming the national narrative on GBVF is crucial. “The government asserts its role in guiding public discourse on these issues, marking this 90-day action plan not just as a rallying cry but as the birth of a coordinated, robust campaign targeting GBVF. The cluster's leaders have made it clear that the time for incremental change has passed, immediate and decisive action is now necessary,” the JCPS Cluster Ministers said in a statement.