South Africa allocates R3.8bn to hire 3,552 social workers

South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced the allocation of R3.8 billion to hire 3,552 social workers as part of a strategic effort to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The funding, announced during the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), is intended to provide prevention, early intervention, and psychosocial support services for vulnerable women and children.

The initiative includes R157.4 million for the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to enhance national coordination and oversight. Additionally, R186 million has been earmarked to strengthen forensic and investigative capacities within the criminal justice system to improve the handling of GBVF cases.

Further measures include expanding the number of specialized sexual offences courts from 55 to 101 and increasing the number of Thuthuzela Care Centres from 72 to 80 by the 2028/29 period. These steps aim to improve the state's ability to investigate crimes and provide dedicated support to survivors of sexual violence.