Civil Society Statement on the Proposed Implementation of the GBVF Council Act (Act No. 9 of 2024)

National Council on Gender-Based and Violence Act

A Campaign for Real Accountability and Action

In 2018, after decades of struggle, womxn, civil society, trade unions, and activists stood together to demand a national, coordinated response to the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. Our voices shaped the National Strategic Plan (NSP GBVF) — a blueprint for change that promised accountability, urgent action, and survivor-centered leadership.

Today, that promise stands broken, because despite these efforts, there remains a significant gap between the vision set out in the NSP and its actual impact on the ground. Civil society has been actively involved in advocating for change, providing guidance, and holding government accountable every step of the way.

Despite the commitment to action, we now find ourselves facing the National Council on GBVF (NCGBVF) Act — a piece of legislation that, in its current form, fails to uphold the principles of accountability and effective action needed to address GBVF comprehensively. While the Act was intended to establish a body that would oversee and coordinate the implementation of the NSP, it has instead undermined the very efforts that civil society has tirelessly worked for. This failure to establish a fully functional, accountable council has hindered the intended progress of the NSP and risks further stalling the fight against GBVF.

This website serves as a resource to track and share the ongoing journey of civil society’s engagement with government on GBVF. It features a detailed timeline of actions, submissions, and collaborative efforts, showcasing the commitment and dedication of organizations, activists, and communities in pushing for meaningful and sustainable change. From the Total Shutdown marches of 2018 to current initiatives, civil society has continuously called for a stronger, more accountable response to GBVF — one that ensures the safety and well-being of all South Africans.

The Timeline
Our timeline highlights the evolution of civil society's involvement in advocating for the NSP and holding government accountable for its implementation. It reflects the ongoing conversations, actions, and demands made by civil society organizations (CSOs) and activists, emphasizing key moments in this journey.

Civil Society's Role
Through various platforms, including strategic meetings, public statements, and community mobilizations, civil society has played a pivotal role in pushing for a comprehensive, effective response to GBVF. The collective efforts have focused on ensuring that the NSP is fully realised in a way that meets the needs of survivors and prevents further violence. 

The newly passed National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF) Act is #NotFitForPurpose.

• It strips civil society of power, handing control back to government officials.

• It lacks a clear, binding funding framework, putting the future of the NSP GBVF at risk.

• It weakens political oversight, with no guaranteed leadership from the Presidency.

• It silences local and provincial action, sidelining the communities at the frontlines.
  
  

Instead of building a future free from violence, this Act risks becoming another hollow structure — a council in name only, without the tools or the will to drive real change.

 We are mobilising activists, organisations, survivors, and allies across South Africa to insist on:

• A properly funded NSP GBVF

• Real civil society leadership (51% representation)

• Strong accountability mechanisms across government departments

• Political leadership at the highest level

• Full inclusion of provincial and local implementation

• An independent, transparent secretariat chosen by the council, not appointed by government.