IN CONVESATION WITH SAMANTHA BRITZ
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The Department of Justice is marking the 16 Days of Activism with two major interventions aimed at strengthening the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). On 04 December, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will officially launch a new Sexual Offences Court in Botshabelo in the Free State — a specialised court designed to fast-track cases, improve conviction rates, and provide trauma-sensitive support for survivors of sexual violence.
The launch forms part of a broader national campaign: the Justice Sector Charity Drive, which recently collected toys and children’s books for young GBVF survivors across the country. Minister Kubayi will lead the first round of distributions during the Free State launch, before a nationwide roll-out on 05 December, where justice-sector institutions in all provinces will hand over items to children’s centres in their areas.
Sexual Offences Courts are not new — but government says the expansion of these specialised courts is critical at a time when sexual violence remains one of South Africa’s most severe crises. These courts offer trained personnel, private testifying rooms, child-friendly facilities, and technology that shields victims from secondary trauma.
Later in the day, the Minister will join Free State Premier Maqueen Leshoha-Mathae at the Not In My Name Provincial Men’s Indaba, addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Indaba is focused on mobilising men and boys as partners in ending GBVF — a message that aligns with the push for accountability and prevention, not only response.
Together, these events highlight the justice sector’s effort to show visible, practical action during the 16 Days campaign — focusing on survivors’ dignity, improved justice outcomes, and engaging men in prevention.
The launch forms part of a broader national campaign: the Justice Sector Charity Drive, which recently collected toys and children’s books for young GBVF survivors across the country. Minister Kubayi will lead the first round of distributions during the Free State launch, before a nationwide roll-out on 05 December, where justice-sector institutions in all provinces will hand over items to children’s centres in their areas.
Sexual Offences Courts are not new — but government says the expansion of these specialised courts is critical at a time when sexual violence remains one of South Africa’s most severe crises. These courts offer trained personnel, private testifying rooms, child-friendly facilities, and technology that shields victims from secondary trauma.
Later in the day, the Minister will join Free State Premier Maqueen Leshoha-Mathae at the Not In My Name Provincial Men’s Indaba, addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Indaba is focused on mobilising men and boys as partners in ending GBVF — a message that aligns with the push for accountability and prevention, not only response.
Together, these events highlight the justice sector’s effort to show visible, practical action during the 16 Days campaign — focusing on survivors’ dignity, improved justice outcomes, and engaging men in prevention.
