In a statement that has resonated across South Africa, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has expressed confidence that the government can meet the demands set forth by the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence (GBV). His remarks come amidst heightened calls for stronger action to tackle the scourge of GBV, which has affected millions of women across the nation.
The ANCWL, which has long been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, recently issued a set of demands calling for increased funding for women’s shelters, stricter penalties for perpetrators, and better resources for survivors of GBV. The demands were part of the ANCWL’s broader campaign to raise awareness about the high levels of violence against women and to push the government to take more decisive action.
Mbalula, addressing the concerns raised by the ANCWL, emphasized that the government is fully committed to addressing the issue of GBV, pointing to the significant steps already taken, including the establishment of the National Strategic Plan on GBV and the recent strengthening of laws around sexual offenses. He reassured the public that the government is aware of the severity of the crisis and that efforts are ongoing to create a safer environment for women and children.
We understand the urgency of the situation, Mbalula said. The government is not only listening to the calls from the ANCWL, but we are actively implementing measures to bring about real change. The fight against GBV requires both immediate and long-term action, and we are committed to meeting those demands.
One of the key areas of focus in Mbalula’s remarks was the government’s commitment to increasing financial support for women’s shelters and care facilities, which are often overwhelmed by the number of survivors seeking assistance. The ANCWL has called for a national network of shelters to provide safe spaces for women fleeing abusive relationships. Mbalula noted that funding for such services would be prioritized in the upcoming national budget.
In addition, the government is looking to strengthen its law enforcement and judicial systems to ensure that GBV cases are handled with the seriousness they deserve. Mbalula pointed out that training for police officers and legal professionals is already underway, aiming to improve the response time and sensitivity towards victims of violence.
The ANCWL’s demands also include the establishment of a more comprehensive data collection system to monitor GBV incidents, ensuring that the government can more effectively track the scope of the problem and allocate resources accordingly. Mbalula confirmed that the Department of Social Development is working closely with civil society organizations to implement this tracking system, which he believes will lead to more informed policy decisions.
While Mbalula’s optimism has been met with some skepticism, given the persistent nature of GBV in South Africa, his confidence in the government’s ability to meet the ANCWL’s demands signals a renewed commitment to the fight. Many advocates and survivors of GBV have called for faster and more visible progress, and the government’s response will be closely watched in the coming months.
The time for action is now, Mbalula concluded. We are committed to creating a South Africa where no woman or child lives in fear of violence. His remarks underscore the government’s resolve to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence, providing hope that South Africa can make tangible strides toward a safer and more equitable society.
