Media Statement

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development acknowledges the receipt of Memorandum from Umkhonto We Sizwe Women’s League

14 April 2025

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development today received a memorandum from members of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Women’s League during a peaceful protest held to highlight the ongoing scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.

The memorandum was officially received by Advocate Shireen Said, Deputy Director-General for Constitutional Development, on behalf of the Director-General, Advocate Doc Mashabane, who was unable to attend in person. Advocate Said conveyed the Director-General’s appreciation for the League’s engagement and assured protestors that the contents of the memorandum would be submitted to the Director-General, the Deputy Minister, and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development for their urgent attention.

Speaking on the Department’s behalf, Advocate Said acknowledged the deep pain and trauma caused by GBVF and reiterated that beyond her role as a senior official, she also stood as a mother, sister and aunt who understands the devastating impact of such violence on families and communities.

The Department recognises that women and girl children across all sectors of society remain disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. South Africa’s social fabric continues to bear the weight of entrenched patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and unequal gender dynamics that fuel family breakdown, domestic abuse, and femicide.

As the country observes Freedom Month, the Department notes that the enduring effects of apartheid-era violence are still evident in many communities. While democratic gains have been made, the Department is acutely aware that true freedom remains incomplete as long as women, children, and LGBTQIA+ persons continue to live in fear. Freedom must translate into safety, dignity, and equality for all.

The Department welcomes civic activism that is lawful and peaceful. Community mobilisation plays an essential role in sustaining public awareness, shaping policy reform, and strengthening institutional accountability. It is only through a whole-of-society approach, with active participation from men, families, faith leaders, traditional authorities, and the private sector, that meaningful and lasting change can be realised.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development remains fully committed to the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide National Strategic Plan (GBVF NSP), which provides a coordinated and integrated framework for the national response to the GBVF crisis. As reaffirmed by the Minister, the Department continues to work in partnership with civil society and all relevant stakeholders to implement the aspirations of the GBVF NSP.

Key measures being implemented by the Department include the expansion of sexual offences courts, particularly in rural communities, with a target of upgrading 100 district courts to offer survivor-centred services. The Department is also working to ensure a justice system that prevents secondary victimisation, addresses attrition in GBV cases, and restores confidence among survivors.

The Department further aligns itself with the call to promote families and communities grounded in positive masculinity, gender equality, responsible parenting, and respect for the rule of law.

We commend the uMkhonto we Sizwe Women’s League for the peaceful and dignified manner in which the protest was conducted and extend our appreciation to all supporting services that helped ensure safety and order during the event.

The Department reiterates its commitment to building a South Africa that is free from gender-based violence and femicide, a society in which women, children, and LGBTQIA+ persons can enjoy their rights and freedoms without fear.

Enquiries:
Ms. Kgalalelo Masibi
Chief Director: Communication Management
Cell: +27 65 7470 323

Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development of the Republic of South Africa