By JOHANNESBURG — In the wake of a horrific wave of violence that has left the province reeling, National Minister of Social Development Dina Pule and Gauteng MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko have declared gender-based violence an “emergency” following the brutal murders of six women in Gauteng.
The high-level political delegation is scheduled to visit the Kempton Park residence of Ms Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo in Rhodesfield this afternoon at 15:30. Moselakgomo is one of six, now eight women whose tragic killings have sparked widespread outrage and horror across the nation.
A Unified Government and Societal Response
Releasing a strongly worded joint statement, the departments unequivocally condemned what they termed “callous, cowardly and utterly reprehensible acts of violence against women”. Highlighting the staggering human cost, officials stressed that losing six mothers, daughters, and sisters in rapid succession is not merely a tragedy, but a national crisis demanding an immediate, all-hands-on-deck response.
“Gender-based violence is not a women’s issue. It is a societal issue that demands a societal response,” the departments asserted.
During today’s visit, Minister Pule and MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko will lead teams in providing vital psychosocial support to the bereaved families, pledging that no grieving household will be left to navigate their trauma alone.
Rapid Response and Mobilisation
Behind the scenes, political structures and law enforcement are moving swiftly. The Department of Social Development confirmed its active participation in a newly formed Rapid Response Team. Working hand-in-hand with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Ekurhuleni, and the Department of Community Safety, the joint task force aims to ensure a coordinated, victim-centred approach to the crisis.
As the legal proceedings begin, government mobilization is extending straight to the courtroom steps. The Department is actively rallying non-profit organisation (NPO) partners within the gender-based violence sector to organize a mass picket outside the court appearance of the suspect.
Civil society organisations, community leaders, faith-based institutions, and members of the public have been urged to rally in solidarity, with officials emphasizing that “silence is not acceptable, and indifference is not an option”.
Policy, Accountability, and Public Appeal
As the lead department coordinating the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), the Department of Social Development remains at the helm of victim counselling, shelter management, and support infrastructure.
Directing a firm message to the public, the leadership declared:
“To every woman in Gauteng: your government sees you, hears you and will fight for your safety and your dignity. To the perpetrators of violence… the full force of the law will be brought to bear.”
Communities have been urged to shatter the culture of silence by reporting suspicious behaviour and protecting one another.
If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, help is available 24/7:
- GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (Toll-free)
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
- Childline: 116
