As we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children, it is a solemn moment to reflect, recommit, and act decisively to address the scourge that continues to plague our communities. For Gauteng, the economic and social heartbeat of South Africa, this fight is not just necessary, it is urgent.
Gender-based violence and violence against children are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of deeper societal issues, including patriarchy, inequality, and a culture of impunity. As the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, I believe it is our shared duty, not just as government officials but as citizens, to tackle these systemic problems with determination and collective action.
Gauteng is both a beacon of opportunity and a stark reminder of the inequalities that persist in South Africa. Statistics paint a grim picture. Cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse remain alarmingly high. According to recent SAPS reports, Gauteng consistently records some of the highest numbers of sexual offenses in the country, while shelters and support services are stretched beyond their limits.
In June 2024, the Johannesburg High Court convicted a couple for the rape and murder of their three-year-old daughter and the abuse of their six-year-old son. The girl had previously been removed from her parents’ care but was later returned, leading to her tragic death shortly thereafter.
In April 2023, the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg found Gerhard Ackerman guilty of over 700 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and possession of child pornography. Ackerman was identified as the leader of a child sex abuse ring operating in Johannesburg.
Between January 2020 and April 2021, Gauteng’s Department of Social Development recorded 1,339 cases of child abuse. These included 656 instances of sexual abuse, 287 of physical abuse, 220 of neglect, and 160 of emotional abuse.
Every statistic represents a life shattered, a family broken, a community scarred. Behind each number is a woman, a child, or a family navigating trauma that could have been prevented. The time for silence and complacency is over.
The fight against GBV and violence against children requires addressing the root causes. Key among them are entrenched gender inequalities, lack of economic empowerment for women, and harmful cultural norms that perpetuate male dominance and entitlement.
We need to strengthen our campaign and programmes around the following areas:
1. Education and Awareness: We must intensify campaigns that challenge societal norms and attitudes that condone violence. Schools should be hubs of not only academic education but also values that promote respect, empathy, and non-violence.
2. Economic Empowerment: Women and children are most vulnerable in contexts of economic dependence. Investing in skills development and entrepreneurship programs for women can break cycles of abuse by creating pathways to independence.
3. Accountability and Justice: Perpetrators must face the full force of the law. Too often, victims report incidents only to be let down by a justice system that is slow, inaccessible, or unresponsive. We need specialized courts, faster case resolutions, and better support for survivors navigating legal processes.
While government initiatives are crucial, real change begins at the grassroots level. Communities must take ownership of the fight against violence. Community policing forums, NGOs, and faith-based organizations play critical roles in creating safe spaces, offering support, and raising awareness. Collaboration between these groups and government structures is key to amplifying impact.
As a legislature, we are committed to ensuring that policies and budgets reflect the urgency of this crisis. Over the past year, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature has:
• Increased oversight over government departments tasked with implementing GBV prevention programs.
• Advocated for budget allocations to expand shelters and support services for victims.
• Pushed for better training for law enforcement to handle GBV cases with sensitivity and professionalism.
During these 16 Days of Activism, we are intensifying our efforts by hosting public hearings, community dialogues, and awareness campaigns across the province to ensure that every voice is heard, and no victim is left behind.
This year’s theme: “It Begins With Me, End Violence for a Safer Gauteng”, speaks not only to the responsibility we share as a society but also to the personal commitment each of us must make to end the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in our homes, communities, and across our province.
It begins with me. It begins with you. Each of us has a role to play in creating a safer, more just society. Let us use these 16 Days of Activism not just as a campaign, but as a call to action that we carry with us throughout the year.
To the people of Gauteng, speak out, intervene, and support survivors. Do not turn a blind eye to abuse in your neighbourhood, workplace, or even within your family. Change starts with you.
To my colleagues in government, let us ensure that every promise we make translates into action. Our people cannot afford empty words or delayed solutions.
As we commemorate these 16 Days of Activism, let us remember that our goal is not just to reduce violence but to end it entirely. A Gauteng free from gender-based violence and violence against children is possible, but it requires firm commitment from all of us.
Together, we can build a province where every woman, child, and family feel safe, valued, and empowered. Let this period of activism ignite a movement that lasts far beyond these 16 days, transforming Gauteng into a true sanctuary of safety and dignity.
The time to act is now. Let us stand together to end the violence.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF HON. MORAKANE MOSUPYOE, SPEAKER OF THE GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE.
