In November 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster in South Africa, following civil society advocacy. The move invokes emergency provisions under the Disaster Management Act to mobilise resources. Analysts from the Institute for Security Studies stress the need for stronger partnerships between government and NGOs to address the crisis effectively.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's declaration of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster came in November 2025 amid ongoing advocacy from civil society groups. This step aligns with the Disaster Management Act, requiring a coordinated response to reprioritise resources, though its practical impact remains under scrutiny. The issue received less attention in the recent State of the Nation Address and budget speech compared to prior years, according to researchers Senzekile Bengu and Xhanti Mhlambiso from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). A 2016 diagnostic review found that civil society provides 60% of social services for women and children, yet relations with government have been strained by funding delays, cuts and mistrust. The National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide (NSP), launched in 2020, outlines a 10-year strategy across six pillars including prevention, justice and economic empowerment. A 2022 Human Sciences Research Council study revealed that one in three South African women has experienced physical violence, often linked to economic factors, trauma and substance abuse. The NSP's midpoint review highlighted progress such as expanded Thuthuzela Care Centres, legislative changes and a R200-million fund aiding 200 NGOs. Challenges persist, including low trust levels and poor implementation at local levels. The Department of Social Development's 2023 Sector Funding Policy aims to enable multi-year NGO funding, but uneven rollout fuels tensions. Bengu and Mhlambiso advocate models like the Violence Prevention Forum, which fosters collaboration among government, NGOs, researchers and private sector to share knowledge and build trust.
