Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for an urgent, coordinated and victim-centred national response to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), describing it as one of the most pervasive human rights violations facing women and children in South Africa.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion held at Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria on Friday, Tolashe said it was time to confront service delivery failures and legislative gaps that continue to deny survivors the justice and protection they deserve.

“This initiative is an urgent call for a more coordinated, victim-centred, and accountable approach to combating GBVF and ensuring justice and protection for women and children,” the Minister said.

The high-level engagement was organised as part of Youth Month, responding to the increasing public outcry regarding the surge in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases and the sluggish pace of government interventions.

It brought together state officials, civil society groups, and shelter service providers to assess progress on the National Strategic Plan and chart a more effective way forward.

Tolashe acknowledged the devastating impact of recent events across the country, including the deadly floods in the Eastern Cape, and extended her condolences to affected families.

“Today, we are gathered here once again, saddened by the news as our country is devastated by the disaster that took the lives of young and older people,” she said.

“To all those who have lost their lives, we are sending deepest condolences to their families and those who might be hospitalised, we wish them a speedy recovery.”

She added that some Cabinet Ministers could not attend the session due to their involvement in disaster relief efforts.

The roundtable was also held in response to mass protests and petitions demanding government action on GBVF.

According to Tolashe, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) triggered the engagement following the heightened public pressure.

“Today we must deal with all existing legislation and national strategies, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, as victims continue to experience delays in accessing justice, poor service integration, and a lack of trauma-informed support,” she said.

“Today we gather here to gain insights and brainstorm on ways to respond to the cry out there.”

Tolashe stressed the importance of moving beyond policy and towards action that is rooted in the needs of survivors.

“We need to respond in a collective national way to address institutional inefficiencies and restore public confidence.”

IOL News

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