Gender-based violence and femicide council launched in Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is the first province to launch a council aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and femicide.
To intensify the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), Premier Mandla Ndlovu launched the Mpumalanga GBVF Council at the Graceland Hotel on February 19.
During the event, Ndlovu addressed the province’s alarming sexual offences statistics, which he said had increased from 641 in March 2022 to 746 in March 2023.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared GBVF a national crisis and a second pandemic. Crime trends show an increase of cases in which women are exposed to the brutality of violent partners. An analysis of the 2023 crime statistics suggests a slow pace in the reduction of GBVF incidences,” said Ndlovu.
“Through the provincial council, we are convening government, civil society and the private sector to devise a collective response to GBVF. The structure will effectively co-ordinate all intervention programmes in our pursuit to eradicate this pandemic.”
Ndlovu described the GBVF structure as a pillar to make the province safe, peaceful and free. He added that it will co-ordinate prevention measures, facilitate strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders and revise plans.
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“The recently released data shows that despite our efforts to fight this scourge, GBVF has been on the increase. Between April and June 2024, South Africa reported a 2.6% increase in contact crime, with Mpumalanga contributing 5.5% to the national statistic,” he said.
The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, called the establishment of the council an historic achievement, as Mpumalanga became the first province to launch one. “This initiative is a reflection of the unwavering commitment towards responding to GBVF in the province. Let us unite to eliminate GBVF,” he said.
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The ceremony included the signing of the pledge by various stakeholders. The launch was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including the chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, some district executives and local municipal mayors, civil society organisations and various advocacy groups from across the province.
