Gauteng adds 56 social workers as province targets GBV hotspots

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced plans to hire 1,022 gender-based violence (GBV) response teams and add 56 social workers as the province targets high-risk areas to combat violence against women and children. This intervention aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa's directives on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) issued on September 29.

The measures, part of Gauteng's 90-day intervention program, aim to address the province's GBVF crisis, including backlog cases, forensic delays, and inadequate safety measures. The 22 intervention areas include police stations with the highest numbers of rape reports such as Rietgat, Alexandra, Mamelodi, Diepsloot, Ivory Park, Dobsonville, Midrand, and Tembisa.

Additionally, seven specialized Sexual Offences Courts and 144 victim-friendly facilities will be strengthened. Gauteng currently operates 18 shelters with 363 beds and seven Thuthuzela Care Centres, providing psychosocial support to thousands of individuals in the past six months. Notably, the province has also enhanced integrated CCTV networks for community safety.

However, challenges persist, including the forensic backlog, outstanding case recovery, and accelerating municipal safety interventions. Lesufi emphasized the importance of protecting women and children, stating that delayed justice is no justice at all.