MPs call for GBVF disaster declaration that unlocks emergency funding
MPs are calling on the government to reclassify gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster, this time using the section of the Disaster Management Act which would unlock emergency funding from the National Treasury to address the scourge.
Members of Parliament (MPs) are urging the government to classify gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster, in order to unlock emergency funding from the National Treasury. This recommendation follows a recent string of murders and sexual assaults in Ekurhuleni. Despite GBVF being declared a national disaster last year, MPs argue that the declaration lacks "teeth" and lacks dedicated funding.
The portfolio committee on women, youth and persons with disabilities maintains that the classification should have been done using a different section of the Disaster Management Act, which would have unlocked funding and provided greater support for GBVF response structures. The committee chair, Liezl van der Merwe, emphasized that plans on paper are insufficient, and that tangible improvements for affected communities are needed.
She called on the National Treasury and the government to set aside the necessary funds to address the GBVF crisis.
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