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ATTENTION: EDITORS AND REPORTERS DPME ASSESSES GOVERNMENT'S INTERVENTIONS
TO CURB THE SCOURGE OF GBVF 11 December 2024 In the past two days, several government centres were placed on the spotlight by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, to assess the efficacy of interventions that are aimed at dealing with the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Deputy Minister Mohai conducted frontline monitoring visits at the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Welkom, Free State Province on 9 and 10 December 2024.
The visits were part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children National Campaign, which raises awareness about the detrimental effects of violence and abuse on women and children. The campaign also emphasises government's commitment to eliminating violence and provide support to survivors.
Deputy Minister Mohai's Monitoring visits started at the Thabong Police Station in which Victim-Friendly Rooms have been set up to create a more supportive and private environment for victims to report GBV. The police station has a dedicated GBVF Coordinator on each shift and is equipped with rape kits to assist both adult and child survivors.
Followed by the visit to the Bongani Thuthuzela Care Centre, which is a critical part of government's anti-rape strategy. The centre provides comprehensive services to survivors, including psychological counselling, medical care and legal assistance through collaborations with various government departments and NGOs. The centre recorded around 700 cases of sexual violence in 2024, many of which are reported on weekends.
He concluded with a visit to the Welkom Magistrate Court, where he observed firsthand the high volume of GBV, femicide and domestic violence cases that are processed. The court serves approximately 180 to 200 victims of domestic violence each month, offering support services, legal assistance, and referrals to shelters.
On the second day of the frontline monitoring visits, the Deputy Minister participated in a Walk against GBVF. The participants at the walk started at the Thabong Thusong Centre, where they engaged with community members and raised awareness against GBVF. The walk was followed by a dialogue on strategies to address the epidemic and promote positive masculinity. The dialogue aimed to assess the effectiveness of current interventions and services, as well as provide further support to survivors.
Throughout the visits, Deputy Minister Mohai was joined by other government officials including the Member of Parliament, Hon Sello Dithebe, Free State MEC for Social Development, Hon Mathabo Leeto, Acting District Mayor of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Cllr Bulelwa Kabi, Acting Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr Hlobohang Mokhomo and other stakeholders.
These frontline monitoring visits align with the South African government's National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, which focuses on addressing the root causes of violence, enhancing victim support services, improving the criminal justice system, and fostering greater collaboration between government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
The DPME will be visiting more centres in the different municipalities and continue to mobilise all citizens join hands in the fight against GBVF.
For media enquiries, please contact Mr Lawrence Ngoveni on 082 824 3060 or email Lawrence.Ngoveni@dpme.gov.za.
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