Premier Mandla Ndlovu.
Mandla Ndlovu addressed the Provincial Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide held at Emalahleni Local Municipality, on May 26.
He delivered a strong message on the urgent need to intensify the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) across the province.
He opened his remarks by condemning the recent killing of a political activist in Ward 16 under Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, who was shot in front of her children.
He commended police for the swift arrest of the suspect, expressing confidence that justice would prevail.
The Premier stressed that GBV is not just a criminal issue but a direct assault on human dignity and freedom, with devastating consequences for families and communities. He warned against normalising violence and urged leaders and citizens alike to reject silence and impunity.
He noted that South Africa continues to face alarmingly high rates of femicide, with women often killed by intimate partners, and acknowledged that Mpumalanga remains among provinces with concerning levels of sexual offences.
While recognising progress made by institutions such as the police and the National Prosecuting Authority in strengthening investigations and prosecutions, the Premier said more work remains.
He pointed to the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres, improved victim support services, and the establishment of specialised GBV courts as key steps in supporting survivors.
Ndlovu also emphasised the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-society response, calling for greater involvement of communities, traditional leaders, and particularly men and boys in prevention efforts.
He further linked local efforts to global commitments made during South Africa’s G20 Chairpersonship, which prioritised stronger laws, prevention strategies, and survivor support.
The Premier challenged the Council to reflect on progress in educating young people about respect, consent, and equality, warning against passing cycles of violence to future generations. He also highlighted the need to deepen partnerships with traditional leadership to ensure interventions reach every community.
Reflecting on the Provincial Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide, Ndlovu noted that 35 out of 60 indicators had been achieved, representing 58% progress, but cautioned that significant work still lies ahead.
Reaffirming government’s commitment, he outlined priorities including prevention through education, expanding support services for survivors, ensuring swift justice, and strengthening coordination across sectors.
Concluding his address, Ndlovu called on delegates to move beyond discussions to decisive action, urging all stakeholders to work together in building a safer province where women and children can live without fear.
The Council meeting is expected to review progress, share experiences from district municipalities, and strengthen strategies aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and femicide in Mpumalanga.
