Parliament, Thursday, 20 November 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Ms Bridget Masango, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national crisis. The President made this call at the G20 Social Summit held today in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg.
For years, South Africa has been confronted with the deeply rooted reality of violence against women and children. Despite multiple interventions by government and civil society, this violence persists in many communities. The committee believes that the President’s declaration is an urgent reminder that the country must take bolder and more decisive steps.
The committee has long called on law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders to fast-track the National Integrated Strategy on the Prevention of Femicide. This strategy aims to strengthen legislation, introduce femicide-specific policies, and create clear guidelines for preventing and responding to femicide.
Research presented to the committee by the South African Medical Research Council last year paints a devastating picture:
- Over the past 20 years, South Africa recorded an estimated 10 972 femicide cases.
- Three women are killed every day by an intimate partner.
- One in four women reports experiencing physical or sexual abuse.
These represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities living in fear.
The committee has also raised repeated concerns about the slow reporting on the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and the limited coordination between the Department of Social Development and other key stakeholders. The declaration by the President must therefore serve as a turning point.
Chairperson Ms Masango said: “The President’s recognition of GBVF as a national crisis must be a catalyst for real action. We need full and urgent implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, along with tougher policies that deter perpetrators and ensure harsh consequences for those who continue to harm vulnerable citizens.”
The committee will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure that the declaration leads to meaningful change on the ground.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MS BRIDGET MASANGO.
For media enquiries, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Faith Ndenze
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 377 0686
Email: fndenze@parliament.gov.za
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