Medium-Term Budget: More than R4.19 billion allocated to strengthen fight against GBVF
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced more than R4.19bn for South Africa’s GBVF response, including R3.8bn to recruit over 3,500 social workers and funding to expand sexual offences courts and Thuthuzela Care Centres.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an allocation of over R4.19 billion in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement to bolster South Africa's response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The substantial funding, including R3.8 billion for the recruitment of more than 3,500 social workers, aims to implement measures President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in September to tackle the alarming rates of violence against women.
The additional resources will also strengthen forensic and investigative capabilities, expand sexual offences courts from 55 to 101, and increase Thuthuzela Care Centres from 72 to 80 by the 2028/29 financial year. These enhancements seek to improve the handling of sexual violence cases and support for survivors. Furthermore, an extra R157.4 million will be allocated to the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities to enhance national coordination and oversight of the government's GBVF response.
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