R3.8bn GBVF funding to boost social worker support and survivor services

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has welcomed new government funding aimed at strengthening South Africa’s response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

The Finance Minister’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) allocated R3.8 billion over the medium term to recruit 3 552 social workers across the provinces.

The additional capacity is expected to support GBVF prevention, early intervention, psychosocial services and victim empowerment programmes.

The allocation forms part of a broader R5.1 billion GBVF funding package, which includes measures to strengthen the criminal justice system and services for survivors.

Among the commitments is R186 million to enhance forensic and investigative capacity, while the number of sexual offences courts is set to increase from 55 to 101.

Government also plans to expand Thuthuzela Care Centres from 72 to 80 by 2028/29, while R157.4 million has been allocated to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to strengthen coordination and oversight of GBVF initiatives.

Chikunga welcomed the funding during a strategic engagement with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) on Friday, where the implementation of Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF) was discussed.

The pillar focuses on justice, safety and protection.

Chikunga said the new funding commitments could help address some of the resource constraints that have hampered the implementation of the national plan.

She noted, however, that both the NSP-GBVF and GBVF Disaster Management Plans remain unfunded mandates, which have limited the department’s ability to fulfil its coordination and oversight responsibilities.

“These investments demonstrate government's commitment to prioritising GBVF prevention and improving support services for women, children, and vulnerable communities,” Chikunga said.

The Minister stressed that sustainable and dedicated funding would remain critical to ensuring that policies translate into services that survivors can access at the frontline.

Government shifts focus to implementation

Chikunga said government was now moving from policy development towards large-scale implementation, with greater emphasis on measurable outcomes, accountability and strengthening capacity at provincial and local government level.

Key priorities include improving survivor-centred justice services, strengthening coordination across the criminal justice system and improving data and reporting mechanisms.

Government also plans to strengthen accountability across departments, expand prevention and behaviour-change programmes, improve implementation capacity at provincial and local levels and institutionalise the work of the National Council on GBVF.

The Minister also highlighted the need for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and sustainable financing for the national strategy.

She said tackling GBVF requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving civil society, business, organised labour, traditional and faith-based leaders and communities.

Chikunga further stressed the importance of involving men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms and promoting positive masculinities.

The 2026 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign will be held under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”

Chikunga said collective action, accountability and sustained commitment were necessary to build a society where women, children and vulnerable people can live free from violence and discrimination.