The government has officially classified Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster, recognising it as an immediate and ongoing threat to life and safety in South Africa.
The declaration was recently made by the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Dr Elias Sithole, after reviewing updated reports from various state departments and assessing the continued risks posed by GBVF.
“I hereby give notice that I regard the immediate life safety risk posed by acts of gender-based violence and femicide as a potential disaster, and, in terms of section 23(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), I classify the disaster as a national disaster. Emanating from the classification, in terms of section 26, read with section 23 of the Act, the primary responsibility to coordinate and manage this national disaster, in terms of existing legislation and contingency arrangements, is designated to the National Executive,” affirmed Sithole.
In terms of the Disaster Management Act, this classification elevates GBVF to the same level of urgency as other national crises.
What changes with this declaration?
National government takes the lead: The National Executive is now primarily responsible for coordinating and managing the response to GBVF, working across all spheres of government.
Stronger coordination across sectors: All organs of state are required to strengthen existing plans and put additional measures in place to support a coordinated national response.
Multi-sectoral action: National, provincial and municipal governments are encouraged to implement a comprehensive plan that includes prevention, mitigation, relief and rehabilitation for victims of GBVF.
Greater accountability: Government departments and affected institutions must submit regular progress reports to the National Disaster Management Centre to track interventions and measure impact.
Broader societal involvement: The declaration calls on the private sector, communities and individuals to play a role in preventing GBVF, supporting victims, and changing behaviours that contribute to violence.
Focus on prevention: Citizens are explicitly urged to refrain from acts of gender-based violence and femicide, while institutions are encouraged to strengthen laws, standards and practices aimed at prevention.
It is also explained that the disaster classification will also remain in place until conditions set out by the National Disaster Management Centre are met. These conditions will guide when and how the declaration may eventually be lifted.
In simple terms, this gazette means the government is acknowledging that GBVF is a national crisis requiring urgent, coordinated action, not business as usual, and that all sectors of society are expected to be part of the solution.
The declaration was made on a day when people across the country took to the streets in various demonstrations, drawing attention to the scale and severity of gender-based violence in South Africa.
The nationwide protests underscored growing public frustration and reinforced calls for urgent, decisive action to address the GBV crisis.
Saturday Star