A newly established 
National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF) aims to strengthen South Africa’s response to gender-based violence and improve access to support services for survivors. Established through the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act of 2024, the Council brings together government, civil society and the private sector to advance the goals of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.
Appointed on 1 August 2026, the Council aims to improve coordination between the many services involved in responding to GBVF.
“The role of the council is to ensure that there is a response to GBV, that GBV and femicide are prevented, and ultimately eradicated,” said Council Chairperson Dr Lebogang Mathibe Ramalepe.
She emphasised that the Council does not replace police officers, health workers, social workers or courts, but works to ensure these services collaborate effectively and remain accountable.
One of the key services the Council wants communities to use more is the Thuthuzela Care Centre network. These centres provide medical and psychosocial support, police assistance and help with legal and court processes under one roof.
“We have put these institutions under one roof. This is how we are going to prevent victims from being sent from pillar to post and having to repeatedly relive their trauma.”
Dr Ramalepe said protection orders can be initiated at Thuthuzela Care Centres on the same day. Survivors who cannot safely return home may also be referred to shelters while the process continues.
There are currently 68 Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country, but more are needed, particularly in rural areas. The Council plans to explore ways of extending the model to suitable 24-hour community clinics.
“Healing from GBV is a journey. Support cannot end when a survivor reports an incident. Survivors may need continual assistance as they recover, access support and seek justice,” she said.
Although the Council is still in the early stages of its work, Dr Ramalepe said prevention remains the ultimate goal. Success will mean fewer women, children and persons with disabilities experiencing violence, while survivors receive dignified and coordinated support.
She stressed that preventing GBVF is not the responsibility of government alone. Families, neighbours, traditional leaders, religious organisations and community members all have a role to play by refusing to normalise violence, supporting survivors and helping them access services.
The Council also plans to strengthen complaint mechanisms so that community members can report service failures and help improve accountability.
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