The Tears Foundation has called on the department of social development to initiate an independent investigation into the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC). The foundation argues critical shortcomings in transparency, accountability and data reporting are undermining South Africa’s response to the gender-based violence and femicide crisis.

In an open letter addressed to acting director-general advocate Gugulethu Thimane, the organisation expressed concern despite substantial public investment in GBVF interventions, South Africa continues to experience alarmingly high levels of violence against women and children.

The foundation argued while the GBVCC was established with the right intentions, questions remain about whether it is achieving meaningful outcomes for survivors.

The foundation has also called for dedicated GBV desks at every police station, improved data collection systems, and the full implementation of Pillar Six of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which focuses on research and information management.

“The GBVCC established with the right intention and in its early years showed real promise,” said Louw. “We’re not questioning whether it should exist, but whether it's delivering the outcomes that survivors deserve.”

“We need transparent reporting on outcomes, not just the number of calls received. We need to know how cases are identified, referred and followed up, and whether survivors actually receive the help they need.

“If we are not collecting data correctly, how are we going to respond? Without reliable, real-time evidence, we will continue making decisions based on assumptions instead of understanding what is really happening on the ground.”

Every public rand invested in the fight against gender-based violence should deliver the greatest possible impact for survivors, she said. This is not about criticising government; it’s about ensuring accountability, transparency and a system that truly protects women and children.

Publicly available reports indicate that verified GBV-related calls account for only between two and five percent of all calls received by the centre, with the majority relating to other social service matters, according to the foundation.

The foundation urges anyone who has been assaulted to contact them. Photo supplied

The foundation argued official crime statistics alone cannot accurately reflect the scale of GBV in South Africa due to widespread underreporting and declining public confidence in law enforcement.

The Tears Foundation believes an independent investigation would help restore public confidence, improve oversight and ensure that resources intended to support survivors are delivering measurable results.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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