DWYPD Briefing on the NSP on GBVF – May 2025
Presented to the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) presented an extensive update on the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The briefing highlighted achievements, challenges, and recommendations across six strategic pillars and called for enhanced multisectoral collaboration, improved accountability, and sustained political leadership.

Key Findings on GBVF in South Africa

According to the 2022 Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) GBV Prevalence Survey:

• 1 in 3 women (7.3 million) have experienced physical violence.
• 9.8% of women (2.1 million) and 5.9% (1.2 million) reported sexual violence by partners and non-partners respectively.
• GBVF is most prevalent among young women (18–24), cohabiting individuals, and women with disabilities.
• Emotional and economic abuse remains widespread, with significant proportions of men admitting perpetration.

Progress on the Six Pillars of the NSP on GBVF

Pillar 1: Accountability, Coordination and Leadership

• Achievements: National Council on GBVF Act enacted; 45 Rapid Response Teams established; oversight integrated into ministers’ performance agreements; multi-sectoral platforms like End GBVF Collective and WECONA functional.
• Progress: 25% of indicators achieved; 61% in progress.
• Key Gaps: Delays in finalising Council structures and funding.

Pillar 2: Prevention and Rebuilding Social Cohesion

• Achievements: Comprehensive GBVF Prevention Strategy; capacity building with SALGA, COGTA, traditional leaders; community awareness campaigns; over 75,000 illegal liquor outlets closed.
• Progress: 13% of indicators achieved; 74% in progress.
• Key Gaps: Poor reporting from key departments; need for stronger data and innovation in interventions.

Pillar 3: Justice, Safety and Protection

• Achievements: Strengthened legal frameworks; 8 new Thuthuzela Care Centres; 14 Sexual Offences Courts; DNA backlog addressed; Protection Order applications piloted online.
• Progress: 57% of indicators achieved; 28% in progress.
• Key Gaps: Integration of GBVF data; some Bills remain pending in Parliament.

Pillar 4: Response, Care, Support and Healing

• Achievements: Over 2.1 million sanitary pad beneficiaries; 296 CSOs funded through CARA; shelters established in 44 of 52 districts; 96,980 individuals accessed psychosocial support through the GBV Command Centre.
• Progress: 41% of indicators achieved; 45% in progress.
• Key Gaps: More shelters and psychosocial services needed; healing dimension underdeveloped.

Pillar 5: Economic Power

• Achievements: Preferential procurement drives; 10,071 women-owned businesses empowered; 69% of housing opportunities directed to women-headed households.
• Progress: 15.4% of indicators achieved; 76.9% in progress.
• Key Gaps: Limited reporting and enforcement of procurement commitments; systemic economic disparities persist.

Pillar 6: Research and Information Management

• Achievements: GBV Prevalence Study by HSRC; femicide watch system launched; GBVF Dashboard tracking services to municipal level; evidence-based interventions promoted.
• Progress: 30.8% of indicators achieved; 69.2% in progress.
• Key Gaps: Disjointed data systems; need to use existing research for programming.

Budget and Spending

From 2020 to 2025, a total of R57.2 billion was allocated for GBVF initiatives. As of February 2025, R36.2 billion (63.2%) had been spent across all six pillars, with notable under-expenditure in Pillar 5 (Economic Power).

Identified Gaps and Challenges

• Weak coordination across sectors and spheres of government
• Poor implementation and enforcement of legislation
• Inadequate gender-responsive budgeting and planning
• Limited societal involvement and systemic patriarchy
• Insufficient consequence management for non-compliance

Conclusion and Next Steps

DWYPD reiterated the need for a fully resourced National Council on GBVF, stronger localisation of responses, and more rigorous monitoring and evaluation. A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach remains essential. The department urged the committee to support enhanced resource mobilisation, policy enforcement, and integrated implementation at all levels.