National GBV Council Must Be Appointed Immediately

Statement by Angel Khanyile MP – DA Spokesperson on Women, Youth and People with Disabilities:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the president, as a matter of urgency, to appoint the Board for the National Council on GBV. The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities submitted its proposed names of candidates for the National Council on GBV to the President as far back as March 2026. Two months later, the Board remains unappointed.

The National Council on GBV is a critical stakeholder in curbing the scourge of violence against women and children.

This delay follows yet another GBV incident among many others, which resulted in the brutal murder of Mr. Mthokozisi and the violent attack on Ms. Nobuhle in Extension 6, Standerton, on 16 May 2026.

According to reports, six men attacked Ms. Nobuhle while she was en route to visit her partner. When Mr. Mthokozisi arrived at the scene, the assailants violently attacked him before turning again on Ms. Nobuhle. Mr. Mthokozisi tragically lost his life.

It is deeply alarming that such horrific cases of gender-based violence continue to plague our nation. However, nearly ten days after the incident, Mr. Mthokozisi’s body has not been released to his family for a dignified burial. At the same time, the investigating officer awaits a detailed forensic report due to an ongoing forensic pathology strike at the Standerton Mortuary. This is completely unacceptable. The Mpumalanga Health MEC must intervene immediately to end the strike or transfer the body to another facility.

The GBV Council is required to act as a coordinating body between all government departments involved in the response to GBV – from the Department of Health, to the Criminal Justice System, to the necessary psycho social support by the Department of Social Development.

The six attackers must face the full might of the law. The DA extends our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Mthokozisi, and I wish Ms. Nobuhle strength in her recovery. The DA will not rest until survivors are protected and perpetrators are held accountable.