Key points
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South Africa launches a 90-day blitz to fight gender-based violence.
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The government is pushing for a swift, coordinated response to GBVF.
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Critics question the plan’s effectiveness and demand more transparency.
South Africa has introduced a 90-day plan to tackle the crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development aims to end the widespread violence through coordinated national efforts.
Immediate action to fight GBV
On April 14, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu co-chaired a meeting to discuss the plan.
The government is moving swiftly to address GBV, having revived the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to lead the effort. The committee’s first meeting will happen within two weeks. It will work to speed up the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBV and focus on tackling bottlenecks that have slowed progress.
“We are not just talking anymore; we are acting,” said Minister Mchunu. This effort marks a major step in addressing GBV and femicide, which continue to affect many South Africans.
Community engagement crucial to success
Bulelwa Adonis, spokesperson for Women For Change, voiced concerns about transparency. She questioned how funds would be allocated and emphasized the need for clear guidelines.
“We need to see exactly how this initiative will work and who will benefit,” she said.
She also pointed to alarming statistics: SAPS reported a 33.8% rise in femicides from April 2023 to March 2024. This highlights the urgency of tackling GBV.
Despite these concerns, the government remains determined to succeed. Minister Kubayi stated, “This isn’t just a promise. We will hold everyone accountable.”
Government’s broad approach to end GBV
The 90-day plan calls on all sectors of society to take part. Minister Kubayi emphasized the need for a coordinated response to end GBV.
This includes government agencies, the police, and communities. By acting together, the government hopes to reduce GBV and femicide, ensuring a safer future for South Africa’s women and children.
While challenges remain, the 90-day plan is a hopeful first step toward addressing this national crisis. The government’s focused effort aims to make South Africa a safer place for all its citizens.
