GBVF Declared a National Disaster under Disaster Management Act

Posted 24 November 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Disaster Management

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: In terms of the Disaster Management Act, No. 57 of 2002, the Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs has gazetted a notice declaring gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national disaster.

In terms of the Disaster Management Act, No. 57 of 2002, the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has formally classified the prevalence of GBVF in South Africa as a national disaster. This regulatory classification follows an announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 20 November 2025 at the G20 social summit, where the situation was identified as a national crisis requiring extraordinary and concerted state action.

The declaration under the Disaster Management Act, No. 57 of 2002 enables the state to:

  • Centralise coordination efforts to combat GBVF across multiple government departments and social partners;
  • Reallocate fiscal resources and personnel to support emergency interventions and victim support services; and
  • Implement extraordinary measures and directives as contemplated in the Act to address the systemic nature of the violence.

The President noted that this declaration is supported by an agreement among social partners to use every means at the state’s disposal to address the scourge. Professionals should monitor future editions of the Government Gazette for specific regulations or directives issued under the disaster management framework that may impact workplace safety standards, reporting obligations, or sector-specific compliance requirements.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, legal and medical professionals should remain alert to potential changes in mandatory reporting protocols or victim support directives.
  • For your business: Firms should review internal health and safety policies and employee wellness programmes to ensure they align with the national prioritisation of GBVF prevention and support.
  • For your clients: Clients in the public sector or those receiving state grants may face new compliance conditions or reporting requirements attached to funding, specifically regarding their internal GBVF policies and interventions.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/gender-based-violence-femicide-national-disaster-declaration-gazetted

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