Motor industry union calls for properly funded response to GBV national disaster

While Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV) continues to plague South Africa, the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) says it hopes its classification as a national disaster will not become another empty promise.

President Cyril Ramaphosa made the declaration at the G20 Summit in November, following widespread protests across the country.

This week, at the State of the Nation Address, the government committed to strengthening the national response by expanding shelters, Thuthuzela Care Centres, and sexual offences courts.

Described as a second pandemic, GBV remains one of the country’s most urgent crises.

MISA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola is calling for less talk and more action.

"We demand urgent, properly funded implementation: stronger policing and investigation capacity, survivor-centred services, effective prosecution and prevention programmes that actually work in communities because women’s lives depend on it," says Hlubi-Majola.