GBVF declared national disaster amid forensic failures

RISE Mzansi has strongly welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's declaration of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a National Disaster, stating that the crisis cannot be treated as business as usual.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

PARTICIPANTS laid down silently for 15 minutes as part of the national GBV shutdown. | SIBONELO NGCOBO Independent Newspapers

The party stated that the declaration should not be viewed as a "symbolic gesture," but rather as a watershed moment that forces the government to enforce existing safeguards and strengthen protection for women, children, and the LGBTQIA+ community, all of whom face constant violence.

RISE Mzansi national spokesperson Mabine Seabe said GBVF is not only a policing issue, but a national emergency that affects freedom of movement, access to education, the ability to work, and the right to live without fear.

Seabe stressed that perpetrators continue to act with impunity because they do not fear consequences, a reality that must end.

He said that the National Disaster framework must include mandatory quarterly reporting from key institutions to restore accountability.