16 Days of Activism: Amplify Your Voice

With the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign – which runs from 25 November until 10 December – Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt is urging residents to amplify their voices.

In preparation for this campaign, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) hosted a panel discussion between provincial government departments, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and victim empowerment NPO, Mosaic. The panel was moderated by acclaimed journalist and author, Karyn Maughan. 

The panel focused on challenges faced in this space, as well as developments in legislation geared at better addressing the needs of people who experience gender-based Violence (GBV). 

This included amendments to the Domestic Violence Act, which has seen a broadened definition of domestic violence, and the mandatory reporting of abuse of vulnerable groups including children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.  

They each emphasised that every role player needed to do their part effectively to create an ecosystem of care around survivors.

To commemorate the start of the initiative, Provincial Minister Londt also joined the DSD’s Eerste River office for a GBV awareness walk, which included members from the SAPS, civil society groups, and community members.

“During this period the department will be encouraging communities to use their voices to speak out against violence and abuse, and to speak for the voiceless. When we speak out, we are saying that the abuse of women, children, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community has no place in our society. It gives more power to vulnerable individuals to seek help,” said Provincial Minister Londt.

While visiting one of the Department’s 26 funded shelters for GBV survivors, Minister Londt heard stories of hope and renewed dignity.

Social worker, Ammie Truter, who works for one of DSD’s partner NGOs Siyabonga Care, says part of the therapeutic work they do with clients involves encouraging them to break the silence that they have been forced into, as a way of reclaiming their power.

Truter said, “I was also a victim of abuse. I know what it feels like to feel powerless and to feel like help will never come. But I do encourage women to try and verbalise their feelings, to allow experts to help you go from being a victim to a survivor. It will take a lot of work, but you will get there.”

“While we are encouraging people to amplify their voices, let it not just be lip service. As the Department we have actioned various interventions to support victims and survivors. We have seen a significant increase in the number of victims accessing psychosocial support services through DSD. In 2020/2021, 17 933 individuals accessed these services, while 24 564 victims sought help in 2023/2024. We have been able to assist so many individuals, thanks to the NGOs and NPOs that have helped us spread the service footprint. It is only through partnerships with civil society, communities, and the private sector that government can address the scourge of GBV,” said Provincial Minister Londt.

Premier Alan Winde, stressed, "Violence in all its forms will never be tolerated in our province! I urge all our residents to take a firm stand against violence, especially GBV and femicide. To better combat this scourge, we must speak out; we must break the silence."

Premier Winde added, "Apart from addressing the effects of GBV, we are also tackling it proactively through initiatives like our Violence Prevention Unit (VPU), which utilises data and evidence to make better use of resources to respond to this issue. Ultimately, reducing poverty through economic growth and job creation is the most effective way to deal with GBV and other categories of crime."

To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV victims, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za  or visit the Western Cape Directory of Services for Victims of Crime and Violence.