The process also involves delving deeper into the social and structural determinants of health, which often lead to more questions than answers. However, in the current times, these activities are crucial for
Policies to address the problem of GBVF
The National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender- Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) was launched in 2020. It can be inferred that it is a commendable policy as it clearly outlines the government's official stance on taking action and assigning roles and responsibilities to relevant parties toward ending GBVF. In addition to the NSP, there are various other policies within the Department of Justice and Health that provide guidance for the GBV response. South Africa has adopted the Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCC) model, which was established to provide comprehensive services to survivors of rape or sexual assault, including listening, care, and support in a respectful manner. However, there are many challenges with implementing this model, as the expenses of running and maintaining such centres, along with ensuring a constant supply of adequate resources and dedicated role players, are quite high. Currently, there are only 51 TCCs in the country, whereas statistics indicate that between 2020-2022, these centres would have needed to handle around 11,000 sexual assault cases, including 1,670 cases involving young children. Therefore, the successful implementation of the Thuthuzela model requires visible commitment from the Office of the Presidency, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Department of Health (DoH), the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as various psychosocial service providers, including civil society organisations. Allocation of resources to support the GBVF response A GBV response cannot achieve a lasting impact in society without corresponding programs aimed at promoting safety, preventing new cases or repeated abuse, and rehabilitating offenders. Unfortunately, these aspects of the response are often overlooked, as they heavily rely on community involvement and do not follow a linear approach, requiring time and dedication that many implementers may lack patience for.
achieving a future where GBV is recognized, addressed, and eradicated from our society.
South Africa needs to recognize the value of promoting health and wellness, preventing societal ills, and avoiding unnecessary deaths and injuries. Currently, these important initiatives have been overshadowed by a focus on disease-elimination approaches that dominate the health agendas of many healthcare systems. Regrettably, side-lining these issues disproportionately affects individuals of lower socio- economic status and those who are easily marginalised, such as children, adolescent girls, and young women. The community as an integral part of the GBVF response Undoubtedly, a comprehensive GBV response cannot exist without the active involvement of the community. Visible advocacy efforts at the community level rely on the willingness of key stakeholders, including the Department of Social Welfare, the criminal justice system, the education sector, labour organisations, and various community leaders with political influence, to foster an intersectoral approach. It is crucial to note that the data and opinions presented in this paper or within the NSP should not be perceived as vilifying men. Instead, they call for a united South Africa to combat this pervasive issue that tarnishes the image of our beautiful country. The emerging opportunities lie in utilising research and evidence-based approaches that challenge societal norms while respecting and acknowledging cultures, traditions, and religions without undermining their values. This requires recognising how some of these norms contribute to problematic stereotypes that create divisions between men and women. Thus, the work of the government is far from over. While the development of the NSP is a positive step for South Africa, the full realisation of all its pillars necessitates the leadership of the government and the active involvement of the people. By doing so, we can strive towards a vision that upholds human dignity, promotes healing, ensures safety, and fosters freedom and equality for all. It is possible to achieve this vision within our lifetime, and perhaps even by 2030.
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June 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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