An LGBTQI sexual violence survivor and activist is fighting tooth and nail to raise awareness about the challenges they face in their communities. Sexual violence affects every demographic in South Africa. But according to Queen Beyonce Tovhowani Makondo, lesbian, gay…
Government is not adequately funding and resourcing shelters for survivors of gender-based violence. This was the admission of Social Development Minister Lindiwe  Zulu. During a panel discussion on the final day of the Presidential Summit on GBVF, Zulu said the…
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence and femicide as South Africa’s first pandemic and said society was at war with women and children. The President spoke during the second day of the 2nd Presidential Summit on GBVF at Gallagher Estate…
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (IMC-GBVF) outlined the progress made by the government in implementing the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF. Led by its Chairperson, Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, the briefing set the stage ahead of the…
When  Nontuthuzelo Made was admitted to the intensive care unit after testing positive for COVID-19, she thought it was just a matter of days before she’d go home. But the 42-year-old was actually fighting for her life. “Initially, I didn’t…
Pamela Madonsela spoke to a Cape Town-based doula who experienced obstetric violence before embarking on her journey of offering a better birthing experience to other moms. “If I had known back then what obstetric violence was, I would have acted.…
With family rejection rife in some communities, a former mental health patient has urged relatives to give their loved ones a second shot at life. About a year ago, Melvin Matodzi* was discharged from the Hayani Psychiatric Hospital just outside…
On the outskirts of Potchefstroom in the North West, members of the Kanana community have taken it upon themselves to help fight the gender-based violence (GBV) scourge. With South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, having declared GBV as South Africa’s second…
Almost three months after the devastating floods in KwaZulu Natal, communities are still pleading for help, stricken after losing their homes and livelihoods. The local arm of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) continues to attend to the needs of hard hit areas.…
*Matthew* (26), is a Cape Town-based copywriter who was sexually abused by his domestic worker. The abuse began when he was eight years old and ended two years later. “My mother would work long hours and would get back home…
At least 150 people rape cases are reported to the police daily in South Africa. According to the Medical Research Council, only one in nine cases are reported, so the real number could be closer to 1500 cases. Of the…
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are going from caregivers to victims of violence at the hands of patients across the country. Doctors and nurses, particularly from Gauteng, have reported being slapped, scratched and kicked while on duty. A junior doctor recalled the…
Access to healthcare, treatment for HIV/Aids, and support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) remains a struggle for South African women. This is as International Day of Action for Women’s Health is marked. This year’s theme is #WomensHealthMatters. Shalen Gajadhar, the…
Mulalo Mutshekwa* fell pregnant in 2019 when she was 15-years-old. The grade 10 learner at the time, is from Makovha, a village in the Vhembe district in Limpopo. She was in a relationship with her then 18-year-old boyfriend. “I met…
Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) is a profound and widespread problem in South Africa. Given the ferocious nature of this ‘pandemic’, collective efforts are needed to end this scourge of violence against mostly women and children. Director-General at the Department…
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