The Department of Social Development has issued an urgent plea to communities nationwide, urging citizens not to look away and to maintain vigilance in reporting incidents of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
This comes as the 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) recorded a significant increase in the number of calls between 1 and 16 September 2026.
“Preliminary statistics reveal that between 1 and 16 September this year, the GBV Command Centre received 6 782 calls, averaging 424 calls per day. This represents a 21% increase compared with the same period in August, when the Centre recorded an average of 350 calls per day.
“A significant increase in calls was recorded between 13 and 16 September 2026, when daily calls rose to approximately 500, compared with an average of 399 calls per day during the first 12 days of September. On 16 September, the Command Centre received 589 calls, the highest daily number recorded during the period under review,” the department said.
The increase is linked to heightened awareness following the discovery of the bodies of nine women in Ekurhuleni.
“These incidents have further intensified calls for urgent and coordinated action to address GBVF. While the preliminary figures indicate increased demand for the GBV Command Centre's services, further monitoring and analysis are required to determine whether this represents a sustained trend in GBV-related incidents and calls for assistance.
“Gender-based violence remains a societal challenge that requires all sectors of society, including government departments, the private sector, partners and stakeholders to work together in the fight against this scourge,” the department noted.
Communities are urged to report any GBVF incidents and speak out against abuse and actively share the GBV Command Centre's contact details with family members, friends and neighbours.
“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that survivors know where to seek help and that no one suffers in silence. The public is encouraged to take an active role in addressing GBVF in their homes, places of worship, communities and workplaces.
“This includes challenging cultures, attitudes and practices that perpetuate gender inequality and the abuse of vulnerable women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, both at personal and societal level,” the department urged.
Members of the public can report GBV incidents and access support by contacting the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
The GBV Command Centre can also be reached by sending a Please Call Me to 1207867#, SMSing “HELP” to 31531, or contacting Skype: Helpme GBV. – SAnews.gov.za
