National Crisis Declared: South Africa Mobilizes Multi-Sectoral Plan to Combat GBVF

Image: Women for Change

DWYPD Confirms Full Support for Presidential Pronouncement, Elevating GBVF as a Human Rights Priority

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has issued a statement of full support for the Presidential declaration of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national crisis. This bold pronouncement is hailed as a necessary step to strengthen the multi-sectoral response to one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups in the country.

As the government entity responsible for the strategic leadership, advocacy, and coordination of the socio-economic empowerment of its core constituencies, DWYPD is positioned to lead the efforts to translate this declaration into accelerated action.

Commitment to the National Strategic Plan

The declaration underscores the government’s firm commitment to intensifying the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF). Recognizing GBVF as an urgent human rights violation, the crisis declaration elevates the issue to a national priority demanding coordinated action across all key stakeholders: government spheres, civil society, the private sector, and communities.

The Department reaffirms its mandate to ensure the full realisation of the NSP’s Six Pillars:

1. Accountability, Coordination & Leadership

2. Prevention & Rebuilding Social Cohesion

3. Justice, Safety & Protection

4. Response, Care, Support & Healing

5. Economic Power

6. Research & Information Management

   
   

Collective Action: The "Letsema" Mandate

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga stressed that sustained commitment from all sectors is non-negotiable for success. "Government alone cannot end GBVF," the Minister stated. "It demands a united front—where communities, men, and institutions actively challenge harmful norms, protect survivors, and uphold justice.”

In line with this call for unity, the Department announced that the upcoming 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign will be launched under the theme “LETSEMA”. This Sesotho term, which denotes collective action or working together, serves as a direct call to men, women, boys, girls, and media houses to collaborate actively in ending gender violence and femicide.

A key component of the campaign involves bringing together filmmakers, media professionals, civil society, academia, researchers, and development partners to co-create a shared agenda for GBV prevention. This focused effort will leverage responsible storytelling and inclusive media representation to proactively challenge the societal norms that fuel violence.