Johannesburg: The Gauteng Department of Social Development reports significant progress in addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with its Victim Empowerment Centres serving over 63,000 victims of crime and violence during the 2025/26 financial year. This advancement was announced by Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, during the presentation of the Department's Annual Report at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department funded 115 Victim Empowerment Centres (VECs) in the financial year, surpassing its target of 108 and reaching 63,538 victims, exceeding the initial goal of 54,530. This effort is part of the implementation of Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which emphasizes Response, Care, Support, and Healing.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko stated, "We maintained our support to GBV shelters and funded accredited skills programmes to strengthen the economic independence of survivors." She highlighted the necessity of creating sustainable pathways to help survivors regain independence and rebuild their lives, emphasizing that economic empowerment and protection must be intertwined.
The Department provides continuous support to survivors and their families through psychosocial support, counselling, and referrals. Its Victim Empowerment Programme offers access to protection, counselling, and essential services through VECs, shelters, and partnerships with funded Non-Profit Organisations. The department continues to support shelters offering safe accommodation and comprehensive services to survivors at risk of further violence.
Economic empowerment remains a crucial aspect of the Department's developmental approach to tackling GBVF. Through accredited skills development programmes and empowerment initiatives, survivors receive support to enhance their employability, financial independence, and sustainability beyond immediate crises.
Community awareness and outreach programmes have been intensified to educate residents on GBVF, child abuse, and violence against women and children. These initiatives encourage communities to report abuse and partake in prevention efforts. The Department recognizes that a coordinated response involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, communities, and other stakeholders is essential in the fight against GBVF.
"Strengthening partnerships remains critical to ensuring that survivors receive timely and appropriate services while addressing the underlying factors that contribute to violence," the Department stated.