As the country reflects on another year of spiralling gender-based violence (GBV), child protection advocates say South Africa can no longer afford to treat the crisis as a conversation reserved for campaign periods.
Dr Shaheda Omar of the Teddy Bear Foundation says that while South Africa boasts some of the strongest legislation and active advocacy efforts, these gains are undermined by weak implementation and deep-rooted inequality that continues to fuel GBV.
She says the country still battles alarmingly high levels of child abuse, femicide and sexual violence. “We have found that implementation and coordination are weak. Even the best legislation and policy are applied unevenly across provinces,” Omar said.
She added that many civil society organisations remain underfunded and fragmented, limiting their ability to meet their mandates. Despite this, she noted that the work of “committed advocates” in child protection and anti-GBV efforts remains a lifeline for survivors.
Omar stressed that prevention remains the country's biggest gap. “We are not doing enough. The 16 Days of Activism is symbolic, but true change demands a whole-of-society effort 365 days a year, not just during the campaign.”
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi echoed the concern, warning that violence against women and children remains “alarmingly high,” despite increased court capacity and improved conviction rates. She also flagged an emerging trend: the rise in sexual offences committed by minors and a growing number of cases involving women raping boys.
Kubayi said a lack of community awareness about what constitutes a sexual offence continues to perpetuate violence. Families have historically attempted to handle such matters privately, she added, often “sweeping them under the carpet.”
She emphasised that GBV must remain in the national spotlight throughout the year and reiterated her push to make the National Register for Sex Offenders public, noting that consultations are ongoing.
The minister also confirmed that specialised sexual offences courts have been strengthened, with 79 of 92 now operational. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Sexual Offences Policy Directives have also been fully implemented and may soon be released publicly.