Gender-based violence triggers calls for action in Eswatini and South Africa

Church leaders in Eswatini have issued a formal condemnation of gender-based violence (GBV) following an anti-violence march in Pigg’s Peak. Hamilton Malaza, Vice-President of the Conference of Churches, called for national unity to protect women and children from abuse and killing.

In South Africa, the gender-based violence crisis remains a critical issue, with femicide rates reported to be five to six times the global average. Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring GBVF a national crisis in November 2025 and establishing a R5 billion emergency fund, critics argue that the justice system is failing to deliver results. Reports indicate that approximately 40% of reported cases do not lead to arrests or prosecutions, highlighting a gap between government declarations and the functional capacity of police and courts to protect citizens.