KwaMashu – 8 March 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, led the province’s International Women’s Day celebrations at the KwaMashu Indoor Sports Centre, where he unveiled new initiatives aimed at accelerating gender equality and economic empowerment for women.

Under the theme “Accelerate Action: Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”, the event highlighted the need for urgent and practical interventions to support women in various sectors. Premier Ntuli addressed the pressing challenges women face, including gender-based violence (GBV), economic exclusion, and limited access to resources, while also recognising their invaluable contributions to KwaZulu-Natal’s development.

Tackling Gender-Based Violence
The Premier reflected on the disturbing statistics of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province, particularly in eThekwini, where 2,252 cases were reported between October and December 2024. He described these figures as a national crisis that demands urgent and collective action.

To combat this scourge, Premier Ntuli announced several government interventions, including:
- The launch of a GBVF mobile app, developed in partnership with the private sector, to provide real-time emergency assistance and access to support services.
- The construction of a new Thuthuzela Care Centre in Jozini, in collaboration with the *Spar Group Ltd, to provide support for GBV survivors.
- The fast-tracking of the establishment of a Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in eThekwini, ensuring better access to critical GBV services.
- The strengthening of psycho-social care and support through 21 shelters and 31 White Door Centres offering emergency accommodation and victim assistance.

Economic Empowerment Through the Women Advancement Fund
Recognizing the link between economic vulnerability and gender-based violence, Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women financially. He highlighted the R200 million Women Advancement Fund, launched in August 2024, which provides:
- Funding for women entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses.
- Mentorship and skills development programs to ensure long-term business success.
- Access to markets and resources, enabling women to fully participate in the province’s economic activities.

The Premier announced that district-wide roadshows would soon be conducted to assist women in applying for funding and accessing business development support.

A Call for Collective Action
Premier Ntuli urged all sectors of society—*government, business, community leaders, and traditional authorities—to unite in the fight for gender equality. He emphasized that gender justice is not just a women’s issue, but a societal responsibility.

“In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we must commit to accelerating action. We must move beyond words and implement real, measurable interventions that bring lasting change. Women are the backbone of our communities, and we must ensure they live in a world where they are safe, empowered, and given equal opportunities,” said Premier Ntuli.

The event concluded with stories of resilience and success from women across various industries, inspiring others to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the provincial government. The celebrations reaffirmed KwaZulu-Natal’s dedication to building a future where women thrive without fear, discrimination, or economic exclusion.

Issued by the Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal