Johannesburg: SiltaNews – News Desk
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai has led an intergovernmental engagement on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State. Addressing the gathering, Mohai described GBVF as one of the most urgent social crises facing the country, saying it has devastating consequences for families, communities and society.
He said rebuilding the family unit requires restoring fatherhood, nurturing stable homes and instilling values of respect and protection, while harmful behaviours and substance abuse must be addressed through community interventions, rehabilitation programmes and zero tolerance for violence. Mohai was joined by Matjhabeng Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha and Lejweleputswa District Executive Mayor Veronica Ntakumbana.
The engagement brought together representatives from national, provincial and local government, community leaders, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts against GBVF through a coordinated approach. Mohai said the impact of GBVF often extends beyond individual victims, leaving children orphaned, deepening trauma and perpetuating poverty and social instability across generations.
He called for stronger prevention measures, greater accountability and more visible action from all sectors of society. During the programme, Mohai also visited the Goldfields Family Advice Shelter, where he engaged with service providers and assessed support services available to survivors of GBVF.
The visit highlighted the need for stronger support systems that are accessible, responsive and survivor-centred. Government leaders at the engagement committed to working together to address violence against women and children and strengthen interventions that promote safety, healing and dignity.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting were renewed commitment to a united government response, placing survivor support at the centre of interventions, rebuilding families and communities, encouraging men and boys to reject violence, and recognising the role of institutions such as schools, workplaces, faith communities, civil society, sport, arts and culture in prevention and mobilisation.
The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation said it remains committed to working with partners across government and society to ensure programmes responding to GBVF are monitored, strengthened and implemented to deliver meaningful change in communities.