Human Settlements Minister recognises how GBVF must be cancelled

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has expressed that violence against women and girls should be recognised as a public health emergency.

She was speaking at the Young Women of Africa Miles for Change summit in Polokwane on Saturday.

This year’s theme focuses on “ending GBVF one step at a time.”

Advocacy group Women for Change recently called on the National Disaster Management Centre to declare GBVF a national disaster.

However, the request was rejected, with the centre saying the crisis does not meet the legal definition of a disaster.

The call comes as the group prepares for a national shutdown on Friday.

Minister Simelane has praised women for mobilising against GBVF, especially in the lead-up to the G20 Summit in the coming days.

She said the scale of violence in the country demands urgent recognition and action.

“What have we done right and what have we done wrong? Maybe there are systems that we may have to improve. Then let’s attack them, because we are intentional.”

Simelane also urged delegates at the summit to develop practical, community-driven solutions to combat GBVF.

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