By The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) is making measurable progress in tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) by actively prioritizing comprehensive care, support, and healing structures across the province.
Highlighting these advancements during the tabling of the Department’s 2025/26 Annual Report at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized that a developmental response must pair immediate safety with long-term independence.
During the 2025/26 financial year, the Department successfully funded 115 Victim Empowerment Centres (VECs), surpassing its initial target of 108. These active centres collectively reached 63,538 victims of crime and violence, exceeding the planned target of 54,530. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko noted that protection and economic empowerment must go hand in hand to ensure vulnerable individuals are never trapped by economic dependence.
- Holistic Psychosocial Support: Professional social work services deliver critical counselling, emotional support, and structured referrals to aid survivors and their families through recovery.
- Safe Accommodation & Shelters: Funded shelters provide secure environments and comprehensive crisis management for survivors at immediate risk of ongoing violence.
- Economic Independence: Accredited skills development initiatives provide survivors with viable pathways to improve employability and secure sustainable livelihoods.
- Community Outreach: Intensified local campaigns educate residents on abuse prevention, encouraging active community reporting and stakeholder collaboration.
The Department’s integrated approach relies heavily on strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations, law enforcement, and civil society to build resilient communities. By maintaining robust resources and exceeding outreach benchmarks, Gauteng continues to set a definitive standard for holistic survivor support and developmental protection.
