KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for an urgent new plan to fight gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province.
Ntuli made the call on Friday while speaking to the Council Against Crime. The meeting took place at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, Durban.
“Our province is currently gripped by a sharp surge in cases of GBVF. To this end, I call for improved collaboration from civil society, organs of state and various stakeholders,” Ntuli said.
He said the fight needs the whole of society. This includes government, law enforcement, traditional leaders, civil society and communities, he said.
The council brought together government and other groups to discuss a joint response to crime and community safety. They also looked at how crime affects the growth of the province, according to SAnews.
Ntuli again asked Amakhosi and other traditional leaders to lead a change in how men behave. He said they should promote male role models who respect and protect women.
According to SAnews, the provincial government already works with Amakhosi and Izinduna in communities. The aim is to reach men and boys and challenge attitudes that lead to violence against women and children.
The Premier also spoke about the province’s Silwa Nechilo programme. The name means “we fight the shame”. He said it is part of a plan to act against GBVF every day of the year, not only during awareness periods.
“Gender-Based Violence occurs every day. It does not go on holiday when the festive season arrives. It follows women wherever they go, 365 days a year,” Ntuli said.
He also said the campaign is aimed at abusers of any background or nationality. “Many people think that #SilwaNechilo is a campaign targeted at foreign nationals. That is not true,” he said.
Ntuli pointed to recent arrests to show that GBVF is not about where a person comes from. Before the council meeting, he attended a court appearance at the Durban Magistrates’ Court.
The case involves a 46-year-old suspect. Police have linked the man to 16 alleged rape cases in KwaZulu-Natal, including 14 cases recorded in Cato Manor. The allegations are still before the courts.
Ntuli said the province must work to prevent crimes, strengthen policing and support survivors. He also said society must stand together against violence wherever it happens.
“Victims of GBVF are our sisters, mothers, daughters, nieces and wives. They are one of us,” Ntuli said.
The council also discussed how crime affects the province’s plans for investment, business and tourism. Ntuli said cutting crime needs better teamwork between government bodies and communities. He said this work must also deal with the social conditions behind violence.
According to SAnews, the council is a platform where groups look at current crime plans, find gaps and consider practical steps. The provincial government said prevention, behaviour change, law enforcement and community action remain central to its response.
Source: this article is based on reporting by SAnews.gov.za. Image: GCIS via SAnews.gov.za. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.