The KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity officially launched the 2024 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign today. Running from November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10th (International Human Rights Day), this United Nations-endorsed campaign is a vital call to action against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

This year’s theme, “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children,” is bolstered by a sub-theme: “Harnessing Technology and Innovation to Combat GBVF and Accelerate a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy.” The sub-theme underscores the transformative role of technology and innovation in addressing these deeply rooted social challenges.

Addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s GBVF Crisis

KwaZulu-Natal continues to face alarmingly high rates of GBVF. The latest statistics, released by the Police Minister for Quarter 2 of 2024, reveal:
1. Inanda Police Station leads the nation with the highest number of reported rape cases, followed by Umlazi Police Station.
2. The province ranks fourth in the nation with a rape ratio of 17.3 per 100,000 people.
3. Reported GBVF-related crimes include:
• 46 murders
• 112 attempted murders
• 175 rapes
• 23 sexual assaults
• 1,272 cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (domestic violence-related).
4. Rape incidents at educational institutions:
• 1 at crèches
• 13 at schools
• 4 at tertiary institutions

While these statistics are deeply concerning, they only reflect reported cases, and the actual numbers are likely higher due to underreporting. Encouragingly, the province has seen a slight decline in sexual offenses, down by 2.0%, and rape cases decreased by 3.8%.

Strategic Plan to Combat GBVF

KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Unity Government has implemented a Strategic Implementation Plan under six pillars, starting with Accountability, Coordination, and Leadership. This plan emphasizes leadership at every level, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to GBVF.

Key Progress in Districts:
• Seven districts have fully functional GBVF coordination structures.
• Efforts are underway to revive structures in two districts while addressing challenges in others.
• eThekwini Metro, uMgungundlovu, and King Cetshwayo remain high-risk areas, with additional resources allocated to mitigate GBVF’s impact.

Economic Empowerment as a Solution

To address one of the root causes of GBVF – the economic disempowerment of women – the provincial government has launched a Women Empowerment Fund with an allocation of R200 million. This initiative focuses on creating opportunities through:
• Access to government and private procurement, employment, and housing.
• Land access and financial support for women entrepreneurs.

Over 45,000 women have been empowered through economic programs, and poverty reduction initiatives have supported vulnerable groups, enabling them to live with dignity and independence.

Rapid Response and Community Engagement

The province has formed Rapid Response Teams in over 300 wards to address GBVF with a survivor-centered, multi-sectoral approach. These teams focus on:
• Swift action at the ward level.
• Proactive community engagement and evidence-based interventions.
• Providing timely and comprehensive support to survivors.

Value of Partnerships

Collaboration remains at the heart of KZN’s GBVF strategy. Key partnerships include:
• Department of Correctional Services, Legal Aid, and Office of the Public Prosecutor: Renovated 30 victim-friendly rooms at police stations across the province.
• Spar Partnership: Rolling out a GBVF app for tertiary institutions, psychosocial support, dignity packs, and a state-of-the-art Thuthuzela Centre in Jozini.
• South African Breweries: Implementing the “No Excuse” campaign to combat toxic masculinity.
• United Nations Agencies: Supporting traditional leaders’ forums, engaging over 2,000 men to raise awareness and provide policy guidance.
• Rand Merchant Bank: Establishing a Thuthuzela Centre in Amajuba District.

Enhancing Safety and Justice

The Department of Community Safety and Liaison has trained 173 GBVF volunteers to work alongside SAPS in supporting domestic violence survivors. In addition:
• Over 45,000 victims of crime received psychosocial support.
• 11 shelters currently operate across the province, with a new one under development in Zululand.
• The Khuseleka One-Stop Centre provides centralized services to GBVF survivors.

Tackling Social Challenges

Educational and community-level initiatives include:
• Reaching 140,522 school children with GBVF awareness programs.
• Training 75,000 parents on positive parenting to reduce household abuse.
• Implementing anti-substance abuse programs attended by 211,610 people.

Strengthening the Fight

The provincial government is committed to expanding GBVF programs, including building a forensic laboratory to address DNA testing backlogs. As Premier Ntuli noted:
“Justice delayed is justice denied. This laboratory is essential for expediting cases and delivering justice for victims.”

A Call to Action

As the province embarks on these 16 Days of Activism, Premier Ntuli urged everyone to join the fight against GBVF:
“The battle against gender-based violence is not just for victims but for the soul of our society. Together, through innovation, coordination, and determination, we can forge a future free from violence and discrimination.”

Let us stand united to #EndGBVF and #QedaIchilo, ensuring a safer and brighter KwaZulu-Natal for all.