Ilitha Labantu

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ILITHA LABANTU RAISES CONCERNS OVER DELAYS IN OPERATIONALISING THE NATIONAL GBVF COUNCIL

Ilitha Labantu is concerned by the lengthy delays in establishing and operationalising the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, particularly as its inaugural meeting was only held in the final days of Women’s Month.

The Council was established to provide strategic leadership and strengthen coordination and accountability in South Africa’s response to gender-based violence and femicide. However, given the scale of the crisis and the years that have passed since the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was introduced, the fact that the Council is only now becoming operational should not be treated as an achievement in itself.

South Africa has had policies, legislation and commitments aimed at addressing GBVF for years. The challenge has never simply been the absence of frameworks. The challenge has been implementation, coordination, accountability and ensuring that those responsible for responding to GBVF have the resources and capacity to do so effectively.

This is why the priorities emerging from the Council’s inaugural meeting, including the development of a costing framework, the identification of resource gaps and the strengthening of accountability, are important but not new. These are challenges that civil society organisations and those working directly with survivors have been raising for years.

We are also concerned about the timing of the inaugural meeting, coming in the final days of Women’s Month. Addressing the scourge of GBV requires a 365-day approach. Violence against women is a daily occurrence, and it requires a certain level of urgency and sensitivity in order for it to be properly addressed. The response to GBV cannot only become a priority during Women’s Month or the 16 Days of Activism while women and children continue to experience violence every day.

The question is therefore not simply whether the Council has now been established. The question is whether its establishment will make a meaningful difference to the people who continue to experience violence and to the organisations and institutions responsible for responding to them.

One of the most serious challenges in South Africa’s response to GBVF remains the lack of adequate and sustainable resources, particularly for organisations providing direct support to survivors and vulnerable communities. NGOs and community-based organisations continue to provide essential psychosocial support, prevention programmes, referrals and other critical services, often while operating under significant financial pressure.

When these organisations are forced to reduce their services or close because of financial constraints, the impact is felt most severely in under-resourced communities where access to support is already limited. For many people, particularly those living in townships and rural areas, community-based and civil society organisations are often among the first places they turn when they need assistance.

The Council’s proposed costing framework must therefore do more than identify where funding gaps exist. The gaps have been evident for years. It must provide a clear understanding of what is required to properly fund the response to GBVF and ensure that resources are directed to the services and communities where they are needed most.

However, the challenges extend beyond funding. Survivors continue to encounter institutions that are not always adequately equipped to respond with the urgency, sensitivity and competence required. A survivor-centred response cannot simply exist in policy. It must be reflected in the way survivors are treated when they report cases, seek medical assistance, access support services and attempt to navigate the criminal justice system.

This requires continued investment in strengthening the capacity of the police, healthcare professionals, social service practitioners and others responsible for responding to GBVF. Those responsible for supporting and protecting survivors must be adequately equipped with the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to do so effectively.

The criminal justice system is particularly important in this regard. Survivors continue to face significant barriers to justice, while the low number of successful prosecutions remains a serious concern. It is not enough to announce arrests or point to existing structures if cases are not properly investigated, evidence is not adequately collected or perpetrators are ultimately not held accountable.

The entire process must be examined. Are survivors receiving the necessary support when they report cases? Are police officers adequately equipped to respond? Is evidence being properly collected and preserved? Are investigations being conducted effectively? Are cases reaching the courts? Are perpetrators being successfully prosecuted?

These are not simply procedural questions. Failures at any point in the process can have devastating consequences for survivors and can contribute to a culture in which perpetrators continue to act with impunity.

The same level of scrutiny must be applied to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. Government departments and other sectors cannot continue making commitments without being held accountable for whether those commitments are actually being implemented.

There must be clearly defined responsibilities, measurable targets and specific timelines. It must be possible to determine what each department and sector has committed to doing, what progress has been made and where implementation is failing. Where commitments are not being met, there must be accountability and corrective action.

Civil society organisations and communities must also form part of this process. Those working directly with survivors are often the first to identify where systems are failing and where gaps continue to exist. Their experience and understanding of what is happening on the ground must inform the national response.

At the same time, civil society cannot continue to be expected to fill the gaps left by the state without adequate and sustainable support. A genuinely multi-sectoral response requires government, civil society, communities and the private sector to work together, with each sector properly equipped to fulfil its responsibilities.

The Council's effectiveness must ultimately be measured by what changes. Will survivors have better access to support? Will organisations providing frontline services receive the funding they need to continue their work? Will the institutions responsible for responding to GBVF become better equipped? Will government departments be held accountable when they fail to fulfil their commitments? Will survivors have greater access to justice, and will perpetrators be held accountable?

These are the questions that should guide the Council's work. The number of meetings it convenes or reports it produces cannot be used as the measure of its success. Within its first year, there should be clear evidence that the longstanding gaps which have been identified are being addressed. Resources should be directed where they are most needed, institutions should be strengthened, and there should be greater accountability across all sectors involved in the response to GBVF.

The establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide does not, in itself, solve the crisis. It now has to demonstrate that it can address the failures that have persisted for years.

Ilitha Labantu remains committed to advocating for the rights and protection of women and children and to working with communities and relevant stakeholders to address gender-based violence. However, survivors and communities cannot afford another structure that identifies problems without having the authority, resources and mechanisms necessary to address them. The real measure of the Council will be whether it contributes to meaningful improvements in the lives of those experiencing violence.

Media Enquiries:
Siyabulela Monakali
Communications Manager
Ilitha Labantu

New GBVF council faces pressure to deliver funding and accountability Civil-society organisations are challenging South Africa’s new GBVF council to turn its first plans into measurable funding, accountability and survivor support.

Ilitha Labantu will be hosting a two-day Gender Sensitivity and Trauma-Informed Practice training for educators from participating schools in the Metro-East District, as part of Pillar 2: Educator Empowerment Hub of the Safe Schools Leadership Collaborative (SSLC).

The training is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and practical tools needed to better understand and respond to the experiences that shape learners’ wellbeing, behaviour, safety and ability to thrive at school.

Educators are often confronted with the effects of violence, abuse, trauma, substance abuse, harmful gender norms and other social challenges that can significantly impact learners both inside and outside the classroom. The training will explore how these experiences affect learners and how educators can respond in ways that promote dignity, respect, inclusion, belonging and wellbeing.

Participants will engage with key areas including understanding gender concepts and the impact of gender norms in schools, promoting gender equality and inclusion, understanding trauma and its impact on learners and educators, applying trauma-informed principles in school interactions, and creating safe, supportive and responsive learning environments.

By strengthening educators’ knowledge, confidence and practical response skills, the Educator Empowerment Hub contributes to building safer schools where learners are protected, supported and better positioned to remain engaged in their education and reach their full potential.

- Friday, 4 September 2026: 12:30–16:30
- Saturday, 5 September 2026: 08:30–13:30
- Venue: Lookout Hill, Khayelitsha

Empowering Educators. Strengthening Schools. Protecting Learners.

Ilitha Labantu hosted its Annual High Tea Fundraiser under the theme “Women of Integrity: Leading with Courage, Shaping the Future,” bringing together women leaders, advocates, partners and supporters for an afternoon of reflection, celebration and meaningful dialogue.

As we commemorate Women’s Month 2026 and mark 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March, this year’s High Tea provided an opportunity to reflect on the courage, leadership and contributions of women across generations, while recognising the continued role of women in shaping our communities, institutions and society.

The Annual High Tea is a fundraising initiative in support of the Dorothy Zihlangu Transitional House, a place of safety where women and children affected by violence find care, protection and the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity. Through the support of our guests, partners and stakeholders, the event contributes towards sustaining this important work.

The event featured an engaging programme with our distinguished guest speakers: Hon. Minister Dina Deliwe P**e (Minister of Social Development), Mam Thoko Mpumlwana (Chairperson, South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) Trust), Ms Khanyisa Dunjwa (Chairperson, South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Women’s Sector), and Hon. Dr Litha Musyimi-Ogana (Commissioner, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)). We were also honoured to welcome other distinguished guests, whose presence contributed to the significance of the occasion. The afternoon was further enriched by live entertainment from Mabongi Thusi & The OAK Band.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our speakers, guests, partners and supporters who joined us for this year’s Annual High Tea and contributed to making the occasion a meaningful celebration of women’s leadership, courage and service. As we reflect on the afternoon, we are reminded of the enduring impact of our late Founder, Dr Mandisa Monakali, whose vision and dedication to the rights, dignity and safety of women and children remain at the heart of Ilitha Labantu’s work.

Ilitha Labantu’s Policy and Advocacy Department hosted a community engagement focused on Child Neglect as a Criminal Offence, bringing families and key community stakeholders together to strengthen awareness, understanding and action around child protection.

The engagement sought to educate families about child neglect and its effects on children, when neglect may constitute a criminal offence, and what the Justice System says. Families were also equipped with knowledge to recognise the signs of child neglect, understand the appropriate reporting guidelines and know how to report concerns.

The engagement brought together FCS Unit (SAPS), Social Crimes (SAPS), CPF, Amadoda Aqotho, Equal Education, Department of Health, Department of Social Development (DSD) and Isidima Sam, contributing to an important conversation on child protection, community vigilance and accountability.

Protecting children requires informed and vigilant communities. Recognising the signs of neglect and knowing how to report it can help ensure that children receive the protection and care they deserve.

: On Friday, 28 August 2026, the University of the Western Cape will honour Mandisa Monakali posthumously with a Doctor Philosophiae, honoris causa, at the 2026 Honorary Doctorate Celebration.

Mandisa Monakali was a pioneering South African human rights activist and community development leader who dedicated her life to advancing the rights and dignity of women and children. In 1989, she founded Ilitha Labantu in Gugulethu, providing counselling, legal support, economic empowerment and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence.

UWC will honour her enduring contribution to justice, equality and the empowerment of women and children alongside six other distinguished recipients.

Ilitha Labantu is pleased to invite you to join us this Saturday for our Annual High Tea Fundraiser, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating courageous women whose leadership reflects integrity, courage, compassion and service.

Women's Month 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March, a defining moment in South Africa's pursuit of justice, equality and women's rights. Against this backdrop, this year's theme, "Women of Integrity: Leading with Courage, Shaping the Future," celebrates women whose leadership continues to shape communities, strengthen institutions and inspire future generations.

The Annual High Tea is a fundraising initiative in support of the Dorothy Zihlangu Transitional House, a place of safety where women and children affected by violence find care, protection and the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity. Your support will help ensure that this important work continues to reach those who need it most.

We are proud to present an inspiring programme featuring:

• Hon. Minister Dina Deliwe P**e – Minister of Social Development
• Mam Thoko Mpumlwana – Chairperson, South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) Trust
• Ms Khanyisa Dunjwa – Chairperson, South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Women's Sector
• Hon. Dr Litha Musyimi-Ogana – Commissioner, African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR)
• Live entertainment by Mabongi Thusi & The OAK Band

Event Details
- Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
- Venue: The President Hotel, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
- Time: 13:00 – 17:00
- Dress Code: Gala Elegance
- Tickets: R850 – Book now via Quicket:

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/387739-7th-annual-high-tea-2026-women-of-integrity-leading-with-courage-shaping-the-fu/

We warmly invite you to join us this Saturday for an afternoon of inspiration, reflection and purpose as we celebrate women, honour their contributions to society, and strengthen our shared commitment to advancing the rights, dignity and safety of women and girls.

Day 2 and final day of Ilitha Labantu's two-day Basic Counselling Skills training concluded the training sessions for the Metro Central Education District, bringing the third module of the Educator Empowerment Hub, Pillar 2 of the Safe Schools Leadership Collaborative (SSLC), to a close.

Building on the knowledge gained during the first day, the final day focused on the practical application of counselling skills within the school environment. Educators explored approaches to supporting learners experiencing emotional challenges, responding appropriately to different situations, and applying counselling skills while maintaining the boundaries of their role.

Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative learning, educators reflected on how effective communication and counselling skills can strengthen their engagement with learners and contribute to learner wellbeing.

The completion of the Basic Counselling Skills training concludes the three-module Educator Empowerment Hub training for educators in the Metro Central Education District, covering Gender Sensitivity and Trauma-Informed Practice, Identifying Key Signs of Abuse, and Basic Counselling Skills.

We appreciate the dedication, commitment, and meaningful engagement demonstrated by the educators throughout the training sessions and their willingness to deepen their knowledge and skills in support of learners.

The training sessions will now move to the Metro East Education District (Khayelitsha), with the next leg scheduled to begin on 4 September 2026 for educators from participating schools.

Day 1 of Ilitha Labantu's two-day Basic Counselling Skills training brought together educators from participating schools across the Metro Central Education District (Gugulethu, Nyanga and KTC) for the third module of the Educator Empowerment Hub, Pillar 2 of the Safe Schools Leadership Collaborative (SSLC), focusing on practical counselling skills and supportive engagement with learners.

Building on the knowledge gained through the previous modules on Gender Sensitivity and Trauma-Informed Practice and Identifying Key Signs of Abuse, the first day focused on active listening and empathetic communication, building trust and rapport with learners, understanding emotional challenges, and approaches to providing appropriate support within the school environment.

Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative learning, educators explored basic counselling techniques and strengthened their ability to engage with learners in a sensitive and supportive manner, while recognising the boundaries of their role.

The Educator Empowerment Hub forms part of the Safe Schools Leadership Collaborative's broader approach to strengthening school-based prevention and early intervention across participating schools. Through the programme, school leaders, educators, learners, parents, and communities are equipped with knowledge, skills, and mechanisms to identify vulnerabilities, address concerns, and contribute to safer, more supportive and inclusive school environments.

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ILITHA LABANTU CALLS FOR STRONGER ACTION AGAINST NEWBORN ABANDONMENT FOLLOWING DELFT INCIDENT

Ilitha Labantu is deeply concerned by the discovery of a newborn baby in a drain in Delft on Wednesday, 19 August 2026. The incident is deeply disturbing and raises serious concerns about the circumstances that can lead to the abandonment of a newborn, as well as the broader social conditions that must be considered when seeking to prevent such tragedies.

According to the South African Police Service, Delft police have registered a case of concealment of birth following the discovery. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and no arrests have been made. While the investigation must be allowed to establish the facts, the incident raises difficult questions about the circumstances in which women and girls may find themselves during crisis pregnancies and the extent to which they are able to access support.

Incidents such as these must be treated with the seriousness they deserve, and difficult circumstances cannot be used to excuse the abandonment or death of a newborn. There are organisations, social services and safe alternatives available to women who are unable or unwilling to care for a child, and greater awareness of these options is essential. At the same time, we must examine the broader circumstances that may place women and girls in crisis, including unintended pregnancies, sexual violence, r**e, coercion, fear, stigma and lack of support. Understanding these factors is not about excusing criminal conduct, but about strengthening prevention and ensuring that people know where to seek help before a situation reaches this point.

It is important that incidents of this nature are also considered within the broader social context in which they occur. Social indicators such as poverty, unemployment, social isolation, limited access to support services, gender inequality, exposure to violence, stigma and inadequate support networks can influence vulnerability during periods of crisis. However, these incidents cannot be viewed as a problem confined to communities experiencing socioeconomic hardship. Newborn abandonment is a societal issue that can occur across different social and economic circumstances, and it should not be reduced to assumptions about poverty or the community in which an incident takes place. Highlighting these social indicators is not about attributing blame to a particular community or suggesting that socioeconomic circumstances determine such actions. Rather, it is about understanding the range of factors that can contribute to vulnerability and identifying where prevention, education, support and intervention can be strengthened.

South Africa continues to grapple with a deeply entrenched r**e culture in which sexual violence, coercion and the violation of women's and girls' bodily autonomy remain serious concerns. Where pregnancy may result from r**e or other forms of sexual violence, the trauma and fear experienced by survivors can be profound. These realities must form part of the conversation when addressing crisis pregnancies and the circumstances surrounding newborn abandonment.

Addressing these situations requires more than a response after a tragedy has occurred. It requires stronger prevention programmes, education and awareness, accessible psychosocial support, effective referral pathways and services that women and girls can access when facing crisis pregnancies, sexual violence or other difficult circumstances. Families, schools, healthcare providers, social services, law enforcement, civil society and communities all have a role to play in ensuring that those who need help are able to access it before a crisis escalates.

There is also a need to challenge the stigma and silence surrounding pregnancy, sexual violence and reproductive health. Women and girls must be able to seek assistance without fear of judgement, while communities must be equipped to recognise vulnerability and respond appropriately. Education and awareness are critical to ensuring that individuals know where to turn and that support is available before circumstances become life-threatening.

The impact of incidents such as this extends beyond the immediate circumstances. They can leave communities deeply distressed and traumatised, while raising difficult questions about whether existing prevention, support and referral systems are reaching those who need them. Preventing such tragedies requires sustained investment in education, awareness, violence prevention, psychosocial support and coordinated response mechanisms.

Every newborn deserves dignity, protection and care. At the same time, women and girls facing crisis pregnancies, sexual violence or other circumstances that place them at risk must have access to appropriate support and services. Responding to incidents of this nature requires compassion, accountability and a collective commitment to confronting violence, stigma and the social conditions that can contribute to such tragedies.

Ilitha Labantu remains committed to working alongside communities, government and other stakeholders to strengthen violence prevention, education and awareness, improve referral pathways and promote environments where women, girls and children are protected, supported and able to access help when they need it.

Media Enquiries:
Siyabulela Monakali
Communications Manager
Ilitha Labantu

https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-08-20-investigation-launched-after-foetus-discovered-in-delft-drain/