# Gender-based violence crisis in Southern Africa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gender-based-violence-crisis-in-south-africa-and-eswatini
> Updated: 2026-10-10T14:03:01.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

South Africa has initiated a national inquiry into gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) through public hearings conducted by the Commission for Gender Equality, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the CRL Rights Commission. These hearings aim to investigate systemic failures in reporting, police investigations, and forensic evidence to improve accountability.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for increased community action to combat perpetrators, emphasizing that the fight against violence must begin within the home. While a R5 billion emergency fund was established following the declaration of GBVF as a national crisis in November 2025, critics point to significant gaps in the justice system. Reports suggest that approximately 40% of reported cases do not result in arrests or prosecutions.

The crisis has also prompted responses in neighboring Eswatini, where church leaders issued a formal condemnation of violence following an anti-violence march in Pigg’s Peak, calling for national unity to protect women and children.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Gender-based violence triggers calls for action in Eswatini and South Africa

Church leaders in Eswatini are calling for an end to gender-based violence, while South Africa faces criticism over a justice system unable to effectively prosecute high rates of femicide.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eswatini-church-leaders-call-for-end-to-gender-based-violence

### 2026-09-27: South Africa launches public hearings for gender-based violence inquiry

South Africa is launching public hearings for a national inquiry into gender-based violence and femicide, while President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for stronger community accountability against perpetrators.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-launches-public-hearings-for-gender-based-violence-inquiry

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Cite as: Gender-based violence crisis in Southern Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gender-based-violence-crisis-in-south-africa-and-eswatini