{"id":39823,"date":"2026-07-31T10:10:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T08:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=39823"},"modified":"2026-07-31T10:10:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T08:10:47","slug":"ramaphosa-national-gbv-council","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/ramaphosa-national-gbv-council\/","title":{"rendered":"Ramaphosa appoints National GBV Council to Strengthen South Africa&#8217;s Fight Against Femicide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the members of South Africa&#8217;s National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide for a three-year term beginning on <strong>1 August 2026<\/strong>. The appointments were announced on Friday, 31 July 2026, ahead of Women&#8217;s Month and follow the government&#8217;s recent classification of gender based violence and femicide as a national disaster. The National GBV Council will coordinate the country&#8217;s response to GBV across national, provincial and local government while providing strategic leadership to reduce violence against women and children.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-1734654583\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/new-driver-licence-testing-centre-opens\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: New Sandton Smart Driver Licence Testing Centre Opens in Gauteng with Cashless Licensing Services<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ramaphosa Appoints Statutory National GBV Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Presidency announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa made the appointments in terms of **section 6(1)(a), sections 6(2) and 6(3), and section 9(1)(a) of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.za\/sites\/default\/files\/gcis_document\/202405\/50712natcouncilgender-basedviolencefemicideact92024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>National Council on Gender Based Violence Act, 2024<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the council has been established as a statutory body responsible for providing strategic leadership on eliminating gender based violence and femicide in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Presidency said the council will serve a three year term from <strong>1 August 2026 until 31 July 2029<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appointments come as government continues to strengthen its institutional response to one of the country&#8217;s most pressing social challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Council Tasked With Coordinating South Africa&#8217;s GBV Response<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Presidency, the National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide will coordinate a multi sectoral and inter sectoral approach to implementing South Africa&#8217;s National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The council will work across national, provincial and local government while engaging communities and other stakeholders involved in preventing GBV and supporting survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its role is to improve coordination between departments and organisations responsible for implementing policies, programmes and services aimed at reducing violence against women and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Officials said the council will also monitor progress and provide strategic guidance on government&#8217;s response to GBV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Members Appointed To the National GBV Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Ramaphosa appointed the following members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dr Ramalepe Lebogang Mathibe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ms Keitumetse Fatimata Moutloatse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ms Caroline Peters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dr Zubeda Dangor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ms Vuyisiwe Numalo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mr Anele Siswana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mr TWM Limema<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Presidency confirmed that <strong>Dr Ramalepe L Mathibe<\/strong> has been designated as Chairperson of the council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ms Welheminah R Shoki Tshabalala<\/strong> has been appointed Deputy Chairperson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Presidency, the leadership team will oversee the implementation of the council&#8217;s mandate over the next three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1893773956\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appointments Coincide With The Start of Women&#8217;s Month<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new council officially begins its term on <strong>1 August<\/strong>, the first day of Women&#8217;s Month in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Presidency, President Ramaphosa expects the council to build on government&#8217;s recent decision to classify gender based violence and femicide as a national disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The statement said the council is expected to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Challenge harmful attitudes and practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advance women&#8217;s economic empowerment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen law enforcement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand survivor centred support services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government said these priorities form part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing violence while improving protection and support for survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GBV Classified as a National Disaster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appointments follow government&#8217;s decision to classify gender based violence and femicide as a national disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs announced the classification after renewed calls for stronger government intervention and coordinated action to address GBV across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The announcement followed nationwide demonstrations calling for urgent action to combat violence against women and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government said the classification recognises the scale of the crisis and enables a more coordinated national response involving multiple departments and spheres of government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the National GBV Council Will Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide has been created to ensure that South Africa&#8217;s response to GBV is coordinated across institutions rather than being implemented in isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Presidency, its responsibilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Providing strategic leadership on eliminating gender based violence and femicide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coordinating implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bringing together government departments, civil society organisations and community stakeholders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring implementation of national GBV interventions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advising government on policies and priorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoting collaboration across national, provincial and local structures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because GBV affects policing, justice, healthcare, education and social development, officials said coordinated implementation is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1893773956\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why The Appointments Matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa continues to experience high levels of gender based violence despite several policy and legislative reforms introduced over the past decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government has increasingly focused on improving coordination between institutions responsible for preventing violence, prosecuting offenders and supporting survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National GBV Council is expected to strengthen accountability by ensuring that government departments and other stakeholders work towards common national objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its establishment also provides a permanent statutory structure to oversee implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gauteng remains South Africa&#8217;s most populous province and continues to record a significant number of reported gender based violence cases each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For residents, the appointment of the National GBV Council is expected to improve coordination between provincial government departments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers and community organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While existing GBV services will continue operating, the council&#8217;s role is to improve oversight, strengthen collaboration and ensure national strategies are implemented consistently across provinces, including Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Residents may also see greater emphasis on survivor support services, public awareness initiatives, stronger law enforcement coordination and programmes aimed at preventing violence before it occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a statutory body established under the National Council on Gender Based Violence Act, 2024, to provide strategic leadership and coordinate South Africa&#8217;s response to gender based violence and femicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does the council begin its work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The council&#8217;s three year term begins on <strong>1 August 2026<\/strong> and ends on <strong>31 July 2029<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who leads the National GBV Council?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed <strong>Dr Ramalepe L Mathibe<\/strong> as Chairperson and <strong>Ms Welheminah R Shoki Tshabalala<\/strong> as Deputy Chairperson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why was the council appointed now?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appointments coincide with the start of Women&#8217;s Month and follow government&#8217;s classification of gender based violence and femicide as a national disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the council do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The council will coordinate implementation of South Africa&#8217;s National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide, provide strategic leadership, monitor progress and strengthen cooperation between government, civil society and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1893773956\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The appointment of South Africa&#8217;s National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide marks an important institutional step in government&#8217;s response to GBV. As the council begins its three year term on 1 August 2026, it has been tasked with improving coordination across all spheres of government, strengthening implementation of the national strategy and supporting efforts to prevent violence against women and children. For Gauteng residents, the council&#8217;s work will be closely watched as government seeks to translate national commitments into measurable action at provincial and community level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the members of South Africa&#8217;s National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide for a three-year term beginning on 1 August 2026. The appointments were announced on Friday, 31 July 2026, ahead of Women&#8217;s Month and follow the government&#8217;s recent classification of gender based violence and femicide as a national disaster. The National GBV Council will coordinate the country&#8217;s response to GBV across national, provincial and local government while providing strategic leadership to reduce violence against women and children.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":39829,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"National GBV council,Cyril Ramaphosa,GBV","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[11735,11734,2220],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-39823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","tag-national-crisis","tag-national-gbv-council","tag-south-africa-news"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39823"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39823\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39828,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39823\/revisions\/39828"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39829"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39823"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=39823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}