THE KwaZulu-Natal government is employing 183 social workers to fight the scourge of gender-based violence.
Speaking at the launch of the Social Workers Programme on GBV in Umhlnga, Sihle Zikalala, KZN Premier, said the province has consistently ranked high when it comes to crimes against women and sexual assault.
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In the latest released crime stats, only Gauteng was ahead of KZN when it came to murder and sexual assault crimes.
“There is certainly no doubt that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide have reached such alarming proportions that it requires an urgent and rapid response. We cannot sit on our laurels when we are faced with such a crisis of national proportions,” said Zikalala.
The social workers will be placed at police stations, as well as the Thusong and Thuthuzela Rehabilitation centers across the province.
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The core pillars of the plan revolve around prevention, education and awareness, strengthening the criminal justice system, ensuring adequate care, support and healing for the victims.
The KZN government has invested R14.4 million in the department of Social Development for this project.
Nonhlanhla Khoza, MEC for Social Development said a majority of social workers will be allocated to the eThekwini metro as it has the most reported cases of gender violence.
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There will also be a call centre that will be manned by trained social workers. The number is 0871 583 000.
Premier Zikalala is expected to deliver the State of the Province Address on Wednesday in the Provincial Parliament in Pietermaritzburg.
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