WOMEN’S DAY 1956-2026: Numbers game cannot cure South Africa of its violence gender-based violence
Statistics and budgets do not reflect whether the state’s interventions are fit for purpose and effective.
In South Africa, gender-based violence and femicide were declared a national disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2025. The Department of Social Development presented its first quarterly report (April to June 2026) on interventions to address the crisis. The report showed progress in building shelters and trauma counselling centers across the country.
However, critics argue that the numbers do not tell the whole story of the effectiveness of the state's interventions. They contend that the approach is reactive rather than preventative, and lacks sufficient funding for community-based organizations. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality of services provided and the need for more comprehensive action to tackle the issue.
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