SIU launches GBV response programme as G20 women’s shutdown movement gains momentum

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has launched the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) First Responder Programme, aimed at improving South Africa’s ability to respond to GBV and femicide through collaboration across government and civil society.

The Witness reported that SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the initiative will train 5 000 certified responders by 2030, in partnership with government departments, traditional leaders, civil society and the private sector.

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Phase one, running between 2025 and 2026, will pilot the project in KZN, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, training 500 responders and launching a digital response tool. The national rollout is planned between 2026 and 2028.

“If you are passionate about making a difference, join us in this critical initiative,” said Kganyago, adding that details for the first application round will be published later this year.

A growing #WomenShutdown movement, led by Women For Change (WFC), is calling for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) to be declared a national disaster.

According to WFC, South Africa’s femicide rate is six times higher than the global average, with 15 women murdered every day. The organisation says the crisis is driven by inequality, weak state response and patriarchal norms.

The campaign, which began two weeks ago, has sparked a wave of purple across social media, with supporters changing their profile pictures and historic landmarks lighting up in the colour symbolising justice, dignity and remembrance.

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Messages of support have poured in from African and international organisations, including Girlpower Organisation Kenya, as well as South African celebrities such as Sihle Ndaba. A petition backing the campaign’s call for reform has already drawn more than 800 000 signatures.

How to observe the #WomenShutdown

On November 21, women and members of the LGBTQI+ community are encouraged to withdraw from work and spending money to highlight their economic impact.

At 12:00, participants are urged to wear black and join a 15-minute silent lie-down to honour women killed daily in South Africa.

WFC said men can take part as allies by supporting women’s participation, refusing to spend money, and amplifying the call for change.