President Cyril Ramaphosa Appoints National Council on GBVF Members ZA

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide for a period of three years.
• The appointments were made in terms of section 6(1)(a) read with sections 6(2) and (3), and section 9(1)(a) of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, 2024 (Act No. 9 of 2024).
• The Council is a statutory body mandated to provide strategic leadership on the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
• President Ramaphosa expects the Council to leverage the classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster to challenge harmful attitudes and practices.

This marks a significant step towards addressing gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, with the Council set to provide strategic leadership on its elimination.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide for a period of three years, effective from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029. The appointments were made in terms of section 6(1)(a) read with sections 6(2) and (3), and section 9(1)(a) of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, 2024 (Act No. 9 of 2024). This marks a significant step towards addressing gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, with the Council set to provide strategic leadership on its elimination.

The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a statutory body mandated to coordinate a multi-sectoral and inter-sectoral approach towards the implementation of the national strategy addressing gender-based violence and femicide at national, provincial and local levels. The appointments were made in accordance with section 6(1)(a) read with sections 6(2) and (3), and section 9(1)(a) of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, 2024 (Act No. 9 of 2024). This legislation provides a framework for the Council's operations and ensures that its activities are aligned with national priorities.

The appointment of members to the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is crucial in addressing the persistent challenges faced by women in South Africa, including limited access to finance, procurement opportunities, markets, information, technology, and business development support. The Council's strategic leadership will also help to strengthen law enforcement and scale up survivor-centred support, ultimately contributing to a safer and more equitable society for all. As President Ramaphosa noted, the Council's work is critical in challenging harmful attitudes and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence and femicide.

Lawyers should watch for the implications of this appointment on the implementation of the national strategy addressing gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, particularly with regards to coordination at national, provincial, and local levels.

Source: Original reporting via SAnews.gov.za