KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, officially opened the Wentworth SAPS Rapid Response Gender-Based Violence Centre as part of the Provincial Government’s continued campaign to curb the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.

The opening formed part of the province’s “Silwa Nechilo” campaign, which seeks to mobilise government, law enforcement, communities and social partners in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

Premier Ntuli was joined by the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Honourable Sihle Zikalala, during the official opening of the victim-friendly facility.

The centre is aimed at providing a safe and supportive environment for victims and survivors of gender-based violence and femicide, while helping to restore dignity to those affected by abuse and violence.

Premier Ntuli said the establishment of the facility demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening support services for victims and survivors, while ensuring that law enforcement institutions are better equipped to respond to incidents of gender-based violence.

He emphasised that the fight against gender-based violence and femicide requires urgent, coordinated and compassionate action from all sectors of society.

The Premier said victim-friendly facilities play an important role in ensuring that survivors are treated with care, dignity and respect when they seek assistance from law enforcement agencies.

He further noted that the Silwa Nechilo campaign remains central to the Provincial Government’s efforts to confront violence against women, children and vulnerable members of society.

Premier Ntuli called on communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies, report abuse, protect victims and reject all forms of violence within homes, workplaces and communities.

The opening of the Wentworth SAPS Rapid Response Gender-Based Violence Centre reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to building safer communities, strengthening victim support, and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence and femicide are not left to suffer in silence.