26-06-2025
Minister Senzo Mchunu outlines critical steps to combat GBVF in South Africa
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu calls for a whole-of-society approach to prevent and combat gender-based violence, stressing the need for coordinated efforts beyond policing to protect women and children nationwide.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), highlighting that the fight extends beyond policing and requires coordinated action across government and communities.
Mchunu was briefing the Multi-Party Women's Caucus on Thursday, outlining current challenges and government efforts to curb GBVF, which he described as 'one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation.'
'The country is gripped by GBVF because of its prevalence and reaching distressing levels throughout the four corners of our country. It is a scourge that threatens the safety, dignity, and well-being of women and children, and it requires decisive action,' Mchunu said.
He stressed the importance of addressing both the pre-incident and post-incident phases of GBVF, noting, 'The first part requires the whole society in the main. And whereas the second part requires, in particular, police and justice, and, of course, social development and health.'
Mchunu warned against the misconception that 'police alone can prevent or deal with GBVF,' calling for broad societal mobilisation, including members of parliament, legislatures, and community leaders.
