Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical issue in South Africa, yet government efforts to combat it have been called into question following remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile during a recent interview. Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, director at Wise Collective and a prominent GBV activist, expressed deep disappointment with the Deputy President’s response, labeling it as inadequate and indicative of systemic failures.
“We Have Failed,” Says Advocate
During a discussion Madumise-Pajibo criticized Mashatile for not providing concrete details on how the government has utilized the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBV over the past five years.
“What I expected from a deputy president is to say, ‘South Africa, in the five years that we have had the national strategic plan on gender-based violence, this is how much effort we have put in—in terms of resources, monetary and human—and demonstrate the strengthening that he’s talking about,’” she said.
Instead, Mashatile’s acknowledgment of weaknesses in evidence gathering and witness protection systems was seen as an admission of failure. “If a whole deputy president tells us that there is a problem with evidence gathering and that our witness protection system is dysfunctional, then we are in trouble,” Madumise-Pajibo asserted.
High-Profile Cases Highlight Systemic Failures
The advocate pointed to the recent acquittal of Pastor Timothy Omotoso in a high-profile rape case as an example of institutional shortcomings. She questioned why the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had not adequately managed the case, noting that the prosecutor’s rushed cross-examination—completed in just two hours instead of the allocated seven days—raised serious concerns.
“If there was proper management of that prosecutorial team, we wouldn’t be where we are now,” she argued. “They know they did not do what they were supposed to do.”
Government’s Lack of Commitment to GBV Prevention
Madumise-Pajibo also criticized the government’s reliance on symbolic gestures rather than sustained action. “We get excited during 16 Days of Activism, hosting events, but prevention work is missing,” she said. “If we had implemented even half of the NSP’s recommendations, we would be in a much better position today.”
She called for consistent, visible leadership in driving anti-GBV messaging and ensuring legal reforms translate into tangible justice for survivors.
What Needs to Change?
The advocate urged the government to:
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Fully implement the NSP on GBV, with transparent reporting on progress.
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Strengthen the NPA’s capacity, ensuring prosecutors are properly managed and resourced.
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Invest in long-term prevention programs, moving beyond awareness campaigns to systemic change.
As South Africa continues to grapple with alarming rates of GBV, activists like Madumise-Pajibo demand accountability—not just promises.
“We can’t keep talking about strengthening systems when we’ve had five years to act,” she said. “Leadership means showing results.”
Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo is the director of Wise Collective, an organization dedicated to advancing gender justice and combating GBV in South Africa.
