SA declares GBV, femicide a national disaster

THE government has officially classified gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster, following intensifying nationwide protests and growing concern over the abuse of women and children ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

GBVF is now officially a national disaster, with government urging urgent multisectoral action after protests led by Women for Change.

(IOL Graphics)

The official classification comes after Women for Change led a nationwide shutdown on Friday November 21, the day before the summit, demanding stronger action against GBVF.

Minister of Cooperative Governance Velenkosini Hlabisa confirmed that the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has formalised the classification.

He welcomed the decision by NDMC head Dr Bongani Elias Sithole, who invoked Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).

"This decisive action follows a thorough reassessment of previous reports and updated submissions from organs of state as well as civil organisations," Hlabisa said.

"After evaluating the persistent and immediate life-safety risks posed by ongoing acts of violence, the NDMC has concluded that GBVF now meets the threshold of a potential disaster as defined in the Act."