Whole-of-Society Mobilization Needed to End Gender‑Based Violence

In a recent briefing to the National Assembly, Deputy Minister Letsike emphasized that the fight against gender‑based violence (GBV) cannot rest on the shoulders of the justice system alone. “We must mobilise every sector of society,” he said, urging a coordinated effort that spans from schools to the private sector. This call is timely, as South Africa’s high rates of domestic and sexual violence continue to devastate families and erode social cohesion.

The Scope of the Problem

According to the South African Police Service’s 2023 statistics, over 18,000 cases of GBV were reported that year, a figure that is widely acknowledged as a severe under‑reporting of the true burden. Independent studies suggest that the actual prevalence of intimate partner violence is closer to one in three women, a figure that has remained stubbornly high for decades. The economic costs of GBV are equally staggering: the World Bank estimates that the disease burden of violence costs South Africa more than 2.5% of its gross domestic product each year.

Why a Whole‑of‑Society Approach Is Essential

Legislation and policing, while vital, address only the surface manifestations of a deep‑rooted cultural problem. A multi‑pronged strategy is required for lasting change:

• Education and Prevention – School curricula that incorporate gender equality and healthy relationship skills can reshape attitudes from a young age.
• Community Engagement – Local leaders, faith organisations, and youth groups can challenge harmful norms and provide safe spaces for survivors.
• Economic Empowerment – Women’s access to credit, training, and employment reduces vulnerability by fostering financial independence.
• Healthcare Integration – Primary clinics should routinely screen for abuse and provide referrals to specialised services.
• Media Responsibility – Television, radio, and digital platforms can disseminate positive narratives and counter victim‑blaming rhetoric.
• Private‑Sector Partnerships – Corporations can adopt policies that support survivors and promote gender diversity at all levels.

Evidence From Successful Models

South Africa’s own “Women, Health and Rights” programme, launched in 2016, has shown that community‑based interventions can reduce repeat violence by up to 15% in pilot districts. In neighbouring Kenya, the “Safe Spaces” initiative, which combines street‑level policing with peer‑support groups, achieved a 12% decline in reported rape cases within two years. These examples demonstrate that when multiple actors collaborate, measurable progress is possible.

Policy Gaps and the Need for Systemic Reform

Despite the existence of the Sexual Offences Act and the Domestic Violence Act, enforcement remains inconsistent. Victims often face stigma and lack of trust in law‑enforcement agencies, which discourages reporting. Moreover, many survivors are not aware of the legal recourses available to them. A whole‑of‑society strategy must therefore include:

1. Improved Training for Police and Judges – Sensitisation programmes that focus on trauma‑informed responses.
2. Accessible Legal Aid – Community legal clinics that provide free counsel and support.
3. Data Transparency – Centralised databases that track outcomes and identify gaps in service delivery.

Challenges to Implementation

Resistance to change often stems from entrenched gender norms. In rural communities, traditional authorities may view GBV as a private matter, hindering external intervention. Financial constraints also limit the reach of public programmes. To overcome these obstacles, the government must secure sustainable funding and create incentives for private partners to contribute resources.

Conclusion: A Call to Collective Action

Deputy Minister Letsike’s insistence on a whole‑of‑society response is not merely rhetorical; it reflects an understanding that GBV is a societal fault line that requires a united front. By weaving together education, economic empowerment, community mobilisation, and robust legal mechanisms, South Africa can begin to close the gap between policy and practice. The journey will be long, but the cost of inaction—both human and economic—far outweighs the effort needed to build a safer, more equitable society.

“The only way to dismantle the cycle of violence is to engage every stakeholder—government, civil society, businesses, and individuals—in a shared commitment to change.” – Deputy Minister Letsike, National Assembly Briefing, 2024