The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) says the discovery of 11 women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni and another in Soweto, coupled with recent developments in two high-profile cases involving allegations of violence against women, underscores the severity of a national crisis that government continues to confront without the urgency it demands. The NSMSA – an umbrella organisation supporting about 100 shelters across the country – expressed disappointment with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Tuesday. “While the President acknowledged that government’s response to gender-based violence and femicide has not been enough, the measures announced largely amount to audits, reviews, plans and renewed commitments,” says the NSMSA Board.
“South Africans have heard this speech before. We have heard about strengthening coordination, accelerating processes and developing plans. Seven years after the President first addressed the nation on this crisis, women are still being brutally killed. The country needs to know what will change, who will be held accountable and by when.”
The NSMSA welcomed the announcement of measures aimed at addressing unresolved cases, forensic backlogs, women’s safety and alcohol-related violence. However, it says that these commitments must be backed by measurable outcomes, clear timelines, dedicated resources and public accountability.
“It is quite concerning that the President’s address did not sufficiently engage with the broader issue of institutional accountability because gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) does not exist in isolation. It thrives in environments where accountability is weak, institutions fail and powerful individuals believe they can act with impunity. South Africa cannot effectively tackle GBVF without confronting corruption, misconduct and failures of governance wherever they occur. Women pay the price when institutions, meant to protect them, fail to act.”
The NSMSA says South Africa cannot continue responding to the murder and abuse of women with another round of promises. Women’s lives and whole families are being destroyed because of government inaction. The Ekurhuleni killings are a devastating reminder of the consequences of a system that remains reactive rather than preventative. Since July, 11 women’s bodies have been found in the area, and still more cases of violence against women and children continue to be exposed.
“Every time a woman is murdered there is public outrage. And while there is outrage over Ekurhuleni, today, the question is, when will that outrage result in meaningful, proactive action.”
According to the NSMSA, in this climate, it is unacceptable that businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, accused of threatening the lives of three women at a Sandton restaurant, was granted bail of R15,000 – which is likely affordable. The organisation says this type of leniency sends the wrong message to perpetrators. South Africans must see accountability applied equally to everyone, regardless of status or position.
When it comes to the terrifying charges against suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, who faces charges of rape, human trafficking and sexual grooming involving an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old girl, no bail should be allowed.
“When a senior police official faces such serious allegations involving women and girls, it raises broader concerns about public trust and institutional accountability. Women must be confident that the institutions responsible for their protection will act fairly and decisively, regardless of rank or influence. South Africa stands at a critical moment for women and children in this country and we need to see our government move beyond broad commitments and present a clear plan to prevent violence and address the conditions that enable it.”
“For us, a key question here is about vetting requirements. For instance, as NGOs working with women and children, we need to be vetted annually for police clearance and once every two years for compliance with the sexual offenses register. How does the vetting process work for a Police Commissioner? Surely, given the level power, influence and public trust in the position, there should be far stricter requirements?”
According to the NSMSA, it is disturbing that the GBVF ‘national disaster’ classification does not result in additional resources allocated to GBVF interventions that have been proven to effectively address the situation.
“Some of the action that we need to see immediately is the allocation of dedicated funding for specialised courts and ring-fenced GBVF funding for shelters, survivor services, policing and forensic capacity. We will keep a close eye on the upcoming mid-term budget to see how GBVF has been prioritised. Then, the Department of Justice must present, to the public, a clear plan for reducing delays in processing protection orders or when it comes to progressing cases through to conviction. It is important that South Africans know how government intends to improve case outcomes.”
In addition to promoting victim-centred component, the NSMSA says that these improvements should be supported by a national strategy promoting positive masculinity and addressing harmful attitudes towards consent, power, relationships and violence, with measurable targets. The organisation also calls for stronger public broadcaster content to challenge misogyny and promote healthy relationships, alongside clear obligations for businesses and institutions to prevent and respond to harassment, intimidation and abuse of power.
“What is the national plan for changing male behaviour? How are we measuring whether boys and men are learning to respect consent, accept rejection and challenge misogyny? What responsibility are institutions, broadcasters and businesses taking for the environments they create? And how are we ensuring that those in positions of power are held to a higher standard? Because we cannot keep teaching women how to survive violence. We need to prevent violence from happening in the first place. The burden of ending GBVF cannot continue to fall on women.”
The NSMSA will continue to monitor the Ekurhuleni investigations and the court proceedings involving Lawrence Mudzinganyama and Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya. The organisation respects due process and the rights of accused persons while insisting on accountability and justice for victims, survivors and their families.
“So, Mr President, thanks but no thanks. Women do not need another speech acknowledging the crisis. They need to see the crisis being handled – with urgency, resources, measurable targets and consequences when institutions fail. South Africa has mourned enough. The time for promises has passed. Now is the time for action!”
Do You or Someone You Know Need Help?
National GBV Shelter Helpline – Toll-free, 24/7: 0800 001 005
SMS / WhatsApp / Please Call Me: 082 057 8600 | 082 058 2215 | 072 230 7147
Email: infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za
To support the National Shelter Helpline, please visit: A United Voice Against GBVF | Back-a-Buddy. And for more information, follow the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) on Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
