GBVF classification as National Disaster signals shift in fight: Hlabisa

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, says the classification of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster marks a critical turning point in the fight against the scourge.

Hlabisa says the classification stands as an urgent reminder that every sector of society must converge and intensify measures to confront GBVF.

Last week, the National Disaster Management Centre said that after evaluating the risks posed by the ongoing acts of violence, it concluded that GBVF now meets the threshold of a potential disaster.

This means that the National Executive now carries primary responsibility for coordinating and managing this national disaster, using existing legislation and the contingency arrangements already established across government.

However, it is important to note that the classification does not invoke emergency powers; instead, it reinforces and strengthens the systems already in place.

This took place hours before scores of men and women gathered for a silent protest led by Women for Change, calling for decisive and urgent action.

The peaceful demonstrations saw participants across the country lie down in silence for 15 minutes at noon to honour the 15 women murdered daily in South Africa.

Organisations and activists called for GBVF to be declared a national disaster.

Hlabisa says the classification has the potential to significantly enhance national efforts and drive a meaningful, measurable impact.

He says that for many years, South Africa has experienced the deeply entrenched crisis of violence against women and children.

The minister also convened a special extended meeting yesterday to consider updates following the recent disaster classification.

He reiterated that the government alone cannot resolve this deeply rooted societal scourge, adding that collaborative effort is needed.

Sonke Gender Justice welcomed the classification, calling it an important step that could strengthen the implementation of the National Strategic Plan.

The organisation’s Bafana Khumalo says civil society will stay actively involved to ensure the new measures are effective.