As cases of abuse, femicide, and sexual violence against women and children continue to rise, the department has introduced more coordinated and inclusive strategies to address what the president has described as South Africa’s “second pandemic”. 

In the Free State province, during the 2023/24 period, a significant number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases were reported. The police specifically reported 1,514 incidents of attempted murder against female victims and 14,401 incidents of assault GBH, where females were the victims. Additionally, 1,135 women were murdered during the last three months of 2023.

Rise in number of cases

“GBVF remains one of the most persistent human rights violations affecting women and children in South Africa. The Free State has been increasingly experiencing a rise in the number of GBVF cases,” said Social Development spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni.

Over the past few months, women’s organisations and civil society bodies have submitted multiple petitions calling for urgent and robust intervention. Responding to this, the department has launched a roundtable initiative aimed at bringing together government institutions, community members, and key stakeholders to consolidate efforts in the battle against GBVF.

“There is an urgent entreaty for a more coordinated, victim-centred, and accountable approach to combating GBVF in the province,” Nqabeni emphasised.

“Thus, the Free State Department of Social Development introduces a roundtable which seeks to organise and coordinate all stakeholders, government, and community in general to respond to the fight against GBV directly.”

To reinforce these efforts, the cabinet approved a 90-day intensification programme at its meeting held on 14 May, said Nqabeni. This initiative, coordinated by the Department of Social Development under the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, will be the driving force behind a national response.

“A collective national response is required to address institutional inefficiencies and restore public confidence.”

The department, under the leadership of MEC Mathabo Leeto, is scheduled to hold a stakeholder engagement in Kroonstad on Friday (1/8). The meeting will bring together provincial leaders, departments, civil society organisations, and residents to address both GBVF and the growing issue of substance abuse.

This engagement comes in the wake of a deeply disturbing case involving a 13-year-old from Thaba Nchu who was allegedly drugged and raped repeatedly by a close family friend. 

Harsh realities

The suspect (44) was arrested on 30 December. In response, Leeto made an emotional appeal to communities to take a stand against perpetrators targeting women and children.

Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, speaking during the Freedom Day celebrations on 2 May 2025, highlighted the need to contextualise national commemorations within the harsh realities communities face.

“While the province and country face ongoing challenges, it remains crucial to celebrate Freedom Day but in a way that speaks to the realities communities experience daily,” she said.

Acting Director-General Dr Mafole Mokalobe echoed these sentiments, emphasising that GBVF is not only a crisis in the Free State but a nationwide emergency.

“As the provincial government, we have initiated a number of critical programmes aimed at combating GBV and femicide,” said Mokalobe. “These campaigns are championed by Premier Letsoha-Mathae and focus on changing behaviour, particularly among young boys, to address harmful power relations rooted in culture and socialisation.”

Five pillars of national GBVF strategy

The surge in GBVF cases in the province, as mentioned, has been marked by a rise in the number of missing women and girls, many of whom are later found gruesomely murdered.

Meanwhile, the Free State government has committed itself fully to the five pillars of the national GBVF strategy: prevention, protection, response, care, and the transformation of societal norms.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg