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How Mukuru Is Reshaping Aid Disbursements, Payroll and Bulk Commercial Payments in Malawi and Zimbabwe

Location: News
Mukuru

Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com) is a leading next-generation financial services platform that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 16-million people across Africa, Asia and Europe. The company, dedicated to continuously building a strong, reliable and resilient financial payments infrastructure to allow its customers to access new physical and digital services that add value, is also transforming the landscape of commercial and aid payments through its Enterprise Payments Platform (EPP). 

EPP is a secure, efficient, safe and cost-effective solution for collections and bulk payments and is built off the successful use case of Mukuru's widely known remittance services. 

This case study explores how Mukuru's EPP is addressing the challenges associated with aid disbursements, payroll, and commercial transactions in underserved communities, including limited financial infrastructure, high transaction costs and issues regarding security, speed and regulations. 

It examines how EPP is revolutionising bulk payments in these critical sectors, with a focus on Malawi and Zimbabwe, by tackling the difficulties businesses and aid organisations encounter when serving remote areas. 

The challenge 

Tererai Mare, Enterprise Market Development Manager at Mukuru, explains that before EPP, businesses and nonprofits had to rely on traditional methods such as mobile money and banks to facilitate bulk payments. “These methods presented limitations — high transaction and encashment fees, delays, and limited reach in rural areas,” Mare says. “These issues hindered the efficient distribution of aid and management of payroll, especially in vulnerable communities.” 

Aid organisations faced significant hurdles in making bulk payments, while remote communities had limited access to affordable and convenient financial services. This created delays in aid reaching those in need and added financial pressure on businesses. 

The solution 

EPP was built on Mukuru's extensive person-to-person physical and digital payment infrastructure across Africa. The platform, known for its reach and liquidity, has many benefits, explains Mare. 

These include: 

  • Instant payouts: Funds reach beneficiaries instantly through cash collection points or digital wallets. 
  • Traceability: The platform offers full transaction tracking, which enhances transparency. This is vital for aid agencies for financial reporting to secure ongoing funding. 
  • Competitive fees: Lower costs benefit both businesses and nonprofits. 
  • Extensive network: Mukuru's branches, booths and mobile disbursement teams, alongside a rich network of partner locations, provide exceptional reach across southern and eastern Africa. 
  • Security: The best technology and processes ensure secure transactions. 
  • Flexibility: EPP caters to aid, commercial, and social grant distribution needs. 

Aid Agency Applications: 

Malawi 

Chiyembekezo Ken Ndala, Enterprise Sales Manager for Malawi at Mukuru, shares that the company partnered with CADECOM National Office for emergency flood relief in the aftermath of a recent cyclone. “CADECOM used the Mukuru platform to reach 4,520 households across several underserved areas.,” Ndala says. The timely distribution of funds allowed families to recover quickly and have their basic needs met. 

Mukuru also partners with Yamba Malawi, which provides monthly stipends to teenage mothers. “Yamba Malawi supports teen mothers, each receiving $20 per month for 12 months, with an additional $100 as seed capital after six months. This funding helps them care for their children and start small businesses to break the cycle of poverty,” Ndala explains. As an ongoing project, Mukuru has disbursed over $100,000 (MK183,600,000) to these beneficiaries. 

Zimbabwe 

Michael Scott, Group Head of Commercial at Mukuru, says that Mukuru has built extensive partnerships with United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the World Food Programme (WFP). 

“Mukuru was awarded a contract by WFP to distribute monthly cash grants to refugees at the Tongogara Refugee Camp. The EPP platform enables efficient delivery and end-to-end traceability of essential emergency funds to this vulnerable community” Scott explains. 

Scott explains that Mukuru has been awarded prestigious Long-Term Agreements by both UNICEF and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), underscoring its capability and reliability in delivering essential financial services across Africa. Under these agreements, Mukuru has facilitated payments to beneficiaries under emergency social cash transfer programming in Zimbabwe, alongside the provision of payroll services and payments to vendors and workshop participants. 

International NGOs, like Action Contre la Faim, have partnered with Mukuru to deliver cash transfers to remote households via Mukuru's mobile disbursement service. Mukuru's mobile teams schedule trips to these hard-to-reach areas and provide regular access to financial services, supporting a base level of financial inclusion and social upliftment otherwise not possible. 

Payroll and Commercial Applications: 

Mare explains that Mukuru also serves the varying needs of businesses needing to make payments to their employees, customers or smaller suppliers, who may not have bank accounts. “Many workers earn low salaries, making bank accounts unaffordable due to high transaction and maintenance fees. The EPP platform helps these workers receive payments efficiently, without encashment or ongoing account fee, addressing a major financial inclusion gap.” 

On the commercial side, Mukuru partners with the likes of Cottco and Premier Tobacco Auction Floors, heavyweights in Zimbabwe's cotton and tobacco industries, to facilitate payments to small-scale farmers. “These farmers often don't have bank accounts and come from far and wide to sell or auction their goods. Mukuru's EPP ensures they receive payments securely and swiftly. A Mukuru cash voucher is as trusted as the USD cash for which it can be exchanged, but safer to travel with on long journeys to and from the auction floors,” Mare adds. 

Conclusion 

Mukuru's EPP platform has redefined bulk payments and aid distribution for organisations struggling with traditional methods. Whether payroll or commercial settlement for businesses, or emergency aid for vulnerable communities, Mukuru offers efficiency, transparency, and security. 

With its vast network and proven ability to reach even the most remote areas, Mukuru continues to drive financial inclusion while streamlining bulk payments, reducing transaction costs, improving traceability and accountability, and minimising delays — critical when delivering aid. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.

Notes to Editor: 
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 16 million across Africa, Asia and Europe. 

With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 60 countries and across over 500 remittance corridors. 

We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network. 

Mukuru has, for the fifth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2024 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.co/41825jC), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade. 

In 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa. 

Mukuru was celebrated for innovation and excellence at the 2023 Africa Tech Festival Awards, receiving the Fintech Innovation of the Year Award - an acknowledgment of the transformative power of financial technology in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation. 

In 2024, Mukuru won the IAMTN Payments Network Customers Experience Excellence Award for setting a high bar in exceptional customer satisfaction in cross-border payment services. Additionally, Mukuru was officially accredited as a 2024 Top Employer in South Africa by the Top Employers Institute. 

Further information can be found at https://www.Mukuru.com. 

Media Enquiries: 
Ammaarah Kootbodien: 
ammaarah@duomarketing.co.za 
(+27) 71 529 6449 

Kgomotso Hlakudi: 
kgomotso.hlakudi@mukuru.com 
(+27) 73 333 1672 

Mthokozisi Dube: 
mthokodube09@gmail.com 

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South African Travellers to Take More Holidays in 2025

Location: News
Marriott International, Inc.

  • Research among over 2,000 South African travellers reveals that more than six in 10 plan to take more holidays in 2025.
  • Bravecations and heritage holidays emerge as key travel trends for 2025.
  • Savvy spenders on the rise as travellers seek the best value for their trips.
  • AI usage in holiday planning skyrockets, alongside growing sustainability considerations.

The travel market is set to grow in 2025, according to Marriott Bonvoy's 2025 Ticket to Travel research (http://apo-opa.co/3AQaXQo) (www.Marriott.com). The study, conducted amongst 21,374 adults in 10 markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EMEA) and more than 2,000 travellers in South Africa, reveals that more than 60% of South Africans plan to take more holidays next year compared to 2024, with 18% maintaining their current travel frequency.

Surveyed South Africans are planning an average of 2.7 domestic holidays, two short-haul holidays (four-hour flight or less), and 1.8 long-haul holidays in 2025. This totals 6.5 holidays or trips, equating to more than one every two months. Among those planning holidays, the top travel destinations are South Africa (27%), USA (11%), Mozambique (10%), France (10%), and Mauritius (10%).

‘Bravecations' and ‘heritage holidays' arise as emerging trends

The research highlights several emerging travel trends. One notable trend is ‘bravecations,' where travellers are more adventurous on holiday, trying activities they wouldn't normally attempt at home. An impressive 85% of South African travellers say they are braver on holiday, the highest among all markets surveyed. This trend is particularly strong among younger travellers, with 87% of 18–24-year-olds and 91% of 25–34-year-olds expressing a willingness to try new and exciting things. Popular activities include climbing high structures (56%), participating in high-octane activities like zip-lining, skydiving or theme park rides (54%), and trying unusual foods (45%).

Another rising trend is ‘heritage holidays,' where travellers explore their family's heritage, history, or ancestry. Seventy-five percent of South Africans have taken or plan to take a heritage holiday soon. This trend is more prevalent among younger generations, with 77% of 18–24-year-olds and 88% of 25–34-year-olds having taken a heritage holiday or plan to, compared to just 42% of those aged 65 and above. Key motivations include the desire to understand where their family comes from and what their life was like (64%) and to see where their ancestors lived (53%).

Solidifying Trends

Sustainability and the use of AI in travel planning are set to become even more significant in 2025. Eight in ten travellers (80%) consider the environmental impact of their travel plans, higher than the EMEA average of 72%. Nearly eight in ten (79%) checked the sustainability of their accommodation on their last holiday, with 64% doing so before booking, far higher than the EMEA average of 30%.

The use of AI in travel planning is also growing rapidly. Nearly half (48%) of South African travellers have used AI to help plan or research a holiday, above the EMEA average of 41%. This trend is led by younger travellers, with 57% of 18–24-year-olds and 63% of 25–34-year-olds using AI in the past year, indicating its mainstream adoption among younger South Africans.

Travel Priorities for 2025

When it comes to choosing accommodation in 2025, the ‘brilliant basics' remain key priorities with cleanliness (97%), location (96%), and customer service (96%) being the most important factors.

South African travellers are family orientated, preferring to holiday with their family or partner's family and children (46%), above just their partner or spouse (36%), and friends (12%). Only five percent prefer to travel alone. Additionally, ‘spending time with friends and family' (63%) is the top priority for holidays, followed by ‘treating themselves' (54%). Over half (52%) say it is important they return feeling healthier than when they left, significantly higher than the EMEA average of 36%.

Savvy Spending

Despite planning more holidays, South Africans are keen on getting the best value for their money. The main factor that would encourage travellers to book a holiday is ‘getting a special price' (62%). Shoulder season breaks—taking vacations during the months surrounding peak season—are another popular way to make holidays more affordable. Seven in ten (70%) have or have considered doing this, with the main reason being to get better value (56%). More than half of South African travellers (46%) always consider exchange rates when planning holidays, but 14% say they ‘never usually do but will in 2025'.

Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Area Commercial Director, Marriott International – Sub-Saharan Africa, says: “We're witnessing a profound shift towards valuing experiences over material possessions among South African travellers. Trends like bravecations and heritage holidays are at the forefront, reflecting a desire for meaningful and enriching journeys. The integration of AI in travel planning and a strong focus on sustainability further enhance this forward-thinking approach. It's an exciting era for the travel industry, and we're eager to support South Africans as they embark on new adventures and create lasting memories both locally and globally.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Note to Editors:
*Research conducted by Mortar amongst 21,374 adults in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Poland, South Africa, and Türkiye.

Click here (http://apo-opa.co/3AQaXQo) to download the report. 

For more information, please contact:
Birgit Deibele
Senior Director of Communications
Marriott International - Sub-Saharan Africa
Mobile: +27 (0)67 598 9162 
Email: Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel programme and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalisation and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here (http://apo-opa.co/417JjsA). Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4149kcr), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/49aQAda), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4149lx1) and TikTok (http://apo-opa.co/4149mkz).

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Technology can be used as a tool for change, protection, empowerment

Location: News

Technology can be used as a tool for change, protection, empowerment

While the rise of the digital economy and use of technology have introduced new avenues for perpetrators to harm and abuse women and children, Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the same technology can be used as a tool for change, protection and empowerment.

Speaking at the national launch of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, in Rustenberg in the North West on Monday, the Deputy President called for further collaboration to harness technology and innovation to combat gender-based violence (GBVF) and accelerate a gender-inclusive digital economy.

He called for zero tolerance toward gendered violence in online and digital spaces, noting that the increase in the use of technology in peoples’ daily lives has introduced new avenues for perpetrators to harm, exploit, and abuse women and children.

The Deputy President said digital spaces can become breeding grounds for violence, from cyberbullying and online harassment to the dangers posed by social media platforms.

However, citizens can also harness the same technology as a tool for change, protection and empowerment.

“From using mobile apps that provide immediate support to victims and survivors to artificial intelligence that can help us understand and curb the pandemic, the potential is vast. Mobile apps, [including] helplines, and emergency response systems provide a direct link to safety, offering quick access to shelters, medical care and legal assistance.

“In South Africa, initiatives such as the GBV Command Centre - a 24/7 digital and telephonic support service - have proven instrumental in helping victims and survivors. We must leverage these advancements to enhance our prevention strategies, improve our response mechanisms, and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

The Deputy President said the internet should be used as a place where everyone can feel safe and respected.

“Access to technology and digital skills can open new economic opportunities, enabling financial independence and resilience. As we embark on these 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children, let us harness the power of technology and innovation to drive systemic change.

“Let us not forget that technology can be a force for good. It has the potential to save lives, connect victims and survivors to support, and hold perpetrators accountable in ways that were previously unimaginable,” Deput President Mashatile said.

Observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls upon every individual to take a stand against the injustices that continue to plague society.

During the campaign period, the country raises voices to draw attention to the persistent violence against women and children.

The Deputy President said a full year of action is required to combat the scourge, not just during these 16 days.

This year's campaign, observed under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”, serves as a reminder of the progress made by the country and the work that still lies ahead.

The Deputy President acknowledged that society has for many years been grappling with the issue of gender-based violence and femicide, which includes the high rate of rape, femicide, and domestic abuse, and the fight is still not over.

Both Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) and the Human Science and Research Council (HSRC) have reported concerning statistics on GBV in South Africa.

StatsSA has revealed that one in three women aged 16 and older has experienced physical violence, while one in five has been sexually abused.

The first-ever national Gender-Based Violence survey conducted by HSRC in 2022, also revealed that over 33% of South African women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, while 9.8% have faced sexual violence.  The study showed that approximately 7.3 million women have experienced physical abuse, while 2.1 million have experienced sexual violations.

Mashatile said government was committed to taking the findings of the surveys seriously and would integrate them into the work of government.

He said the findings will feed directly into the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), which provides the roadmap for government's national response. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/25/2024 - 15:24

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Confronting South Africa’s Crisis of Gender-Based Violence

Location: News

Human Rights Watch (HRW)
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Gender-based violence (GBV) remains shockingly pervasive across South Africa, according to a new report. Despite the country's robust legal framework and policies aimed at tackling GBV, the practice is deeply rooted in societal norms and incidents continue to escalate at an alarming rate.

On November 18, South Africa's Human Sciences Research Council released its first national study on GBV prevalence in the country. The study highlights, among other things, societal attitudes towards gender power dynamics; the prevalence and patterns of GBV experiences among women and the perpetration of violence by men; and presents data underscoring the GBV crisis.

According to the researchers, “the data reveals deeply ingrained gender norms and power dynamics, with strong cultural reinforcement of traditional gender roles and a troubling acceptance of male aggression and dominance.”

The study surveyed a sample of households in 1,000 communities across South Africa's nine provinces. About 10,000 people, men and women, participated in the survey. Of the women surveyed, more than 1 in 3, 36 percent, said they experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, while 24 percent reported experiencing violence by an intimate partner.

The study also uncovered disturbing opinions held by men regarding gender roles. Nearly 70 percent said a wife should obey her husband, and 15 percent felt a husband had the right to “punish” his wife for wrongdoings. Almost 23 percent believed a wife may not refuse to have sex with her husband. Nearly 10 percent held the false idea that women are often to blame if they were raped, and 12 percent wrongly believe if a woman does not physically resist it is not rape.

Furthermore, the study highlighted the longstanding issue of violence against women with disabilities, which previously lacked much data. According to responses, 31 percent of women with disabilities have experienced sexual or physical violence in their lifetime.

While often perpetrated behind closed doors GBV is not a private matter, but a serious public crime that denies women and girls the most fundamental of human rights including the rights to be free from violence, discrimination, and to physical integrity. Failure to take effective steps to deter and punish it, is a human rights violation.

The South African government needs to increase its efforts to combat all forms of GBV. This should include implementing the report's recommendations for holistic approaches to individual, interpersonal, community, and societal-level interventions, and strengthening availability of and access to psychosocial services for GBV survivors. The government should also promptly establish a coordinating body to address GBV as required under the 2024 National Council on GBV and Femicide Act, and ensure full implementation of the 2020 National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide.

South African women cannot afford to wait any longer for the comprehensive changes needed to end the country's shocking rates of gender-based violence. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

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Root causes of gender based violence must be looked at

Location: News

Root causes of gender based violence must be looked at

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), while providing support services for survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

Chikunga was speaking at the National Launch of the16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children campaign, held at the Rustenburg Civic Centre, in the North West, on Monday.

This year's 16-days campaign is being held under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children", which builds on previous efforts to tackle the root causes of GBVF, fostering a culture of positive masculinity, gender equity, and economic empowerment for women and children.

The sub-theme for the campaign is “Harnessing technology and innovation to combat Gender-Based Violence and accelerate a gender inclusive digital economy”.

This year marks 70 years since the adoption of the historic Women’s Charter in 1954 - 68 years since the historic Women’s March, and almost half a century since the United Nations’ first World Conference on Women held in 1975, in Mexico City.

The country also marked 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action towards, amongst others, the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

Chikunga said the multifaceted approach includes legal reforms, education programs, economic empowerment initiatives, and community-based interventions.

She said through the 16 Days of Activism campaign, government aimed to rally all of society to reflect, prevent and put an end to the historic and ongoing channels through which violence against women is being reproduced at a systemic, structural, household and individual level.

“We are, therefore, deeply honoured to be among dedicated thought leaders, activists, researchers, and communities of practice who are tirelessly working to address these pressing and pervasive injustices facing women from all walks of life,” Chikunga said.

The Minister commended the commitment of traditional leaders to the fight against GBVF, particularly in rural communities. This follows a recent meeting held by the department and the House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders.

“We have also held very fruitful consultations with the South African Council of Churches, as part of our efforts to rally the religious community against the scourge of gender-based violence.

Chikunga said the study on the prevalence of GBVF offered critical insights into the pervasive nature of the scourge in the society.

The recently released South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study: A Baseline Survey on Victimisation and Perpetration, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council, revealed the grim reality that about 7 310 389 million women, aged 18 years and older, have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.

As government recalibrates policies and preventative strategies, Chikunga said the country was reminded to place GBVF within the historical struggle of women to be recognised, first and foremost, as human.

“Only when our dignity is restored can we hope to end this system of domination and subordination that thrives on exploiting, undervaluing, and violating women as a way of life. Afterall, GBVF is hardly a random occurrence—it happens within the context of uneven power relations, the privileging of certain voices over others, toxic masculinity, and oppressive cultural practices,” Chikunga said.

The Minister noted that the rise in substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs had significantly exacerbated GBVF.

She announced that over the next five years, the department would prioritise the transfer of land to women, reiterating that land is a productive asset and “basis of all wealth”.

“Our campaign demands all hands-on deck. It requires political will, adequate resources, and sustained commitment to bring about meaningful change, with increased investment directed toward this critical intervention,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/25/2024 - 14:09

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Take the gloves off gender-based violence and femicide

Location: News

Take the gloves off gender-based violence and femicide

By Neo Semono

Violence, particularly against women and children, continues to be a sting on our collective South African skin, and it is a battle that requires our collective effort to win, writes Neo Semono. 

Many have lost a mother, sister, colleague, child or sibling at the hands of an abusive father, husband, boyfriend, stranger or other perpetrator,   as a result of the battle scars inflicted by the heinous crimes of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Those fortunate enough to escape with their lives heal from the physical pain inflicted, but the unseen emotional wounds of their ordeal often continue to haunt them.

Nobody should have to live like that, but sadly, many do.

Today, the country begins the annual commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign. The United Nations campaign, which South Africa adopted in 1998, aims to eliminate all forms of gender – based violence. Children were included in the campaign in 1999.

Twenty-six years since the adoption of the international campaign, many will say that the country is losing the battle against GBVF with crime statistics showing that GBVF cases rose from 126 508 in 2021/22 to 132 110 in 2022/23. The third quarter of 2023/24 saw 100 954 cases being reported.

Additionally, news bulletins frequently report the murders, rapes and deadly assaults of women at the hands of their intimate partners too often. This not only affects able-bodied women, but also women with disabilities, children and also the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual (LGBTQIA+) community. This scourge spares no one.

The recently released South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study: A Baseline Survey on Victimisation and Perpetration, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council has revealed the grim reality that about 7 310 389 million women, aged 18 years and older, have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.

At the national Women’s Day celebrations in August, President Cyril Ramaphosa alluded to the then yet to be released report, saying that while many strides have been made, the country remains “highly unequal” with poverty still bearing the face of a black woman who is likely to be unemployed, poor and unskilled. 

This as the nature of GBVF encroaches on other aspects of women’s daily lives such as the ability to work.

And while government is doing what it can to fight the scourge of GBVF, the patriarchy of old continues to feed into the environment of violence.

Government alone cannot win this war - it needs you and I and all of society together, to take the gloves of GBVF. 

In the 30 years of our democracy, measures have been put in place to improve the status and circumstances of women. This not only to improve their lives, but also as a means to slay the fire-breathing, abusive GBVF dragon that keeps women hostage. 

This is because for some women, without their abusive partners, they may not have the economic muscle to look after themselves or their children.

And while the state continues to shoulder criticism for the ongoing GBVF problem, it has continued to provide healthcare including reproductive health for women. The state also provides for social grants that are a much-needed lifeline for some.

Initiatives such as  SheTrades and the efforts of various government departments to ensure that 40% of government procurement goes to women-owned businesses are some of the measures in place.

While women are also represented in Parliament and the judiciary, more still needs to be done to lessen the likelihood of women falling victim to possible abusive relationships.

Government has also taken legislative steps to tackle the problem which the President has referred to as a second pandemic (following the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic).

This includes the signing of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill into law. The act coordinates and provides strategic leadership to the fight against GBV and femicide. 

Other legislation includes the Criminal Law Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act.

And I agree, that for these laws to be an effective tool, they have to be enforced. Government can do better in this regard.

Government launched the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF in 2020. The plan is a comprehensive strategy for tackling all forms of violence and abuse against women and children.

Over R20 billion has been dedicated to the implementation of the pillars of the NSP which include the economic empowerment of women. 

What is also true is that ending GBVF requires an all of society approach, it requires a change in behaviour in how we treat women and children. 

In his July 2020 address to the nation the President said: “As a man, as a husband and as a father, I am appalled at what is no less than a war being waged against the women and children of our country.”

The concern raised by the President and citizens and civil organisations over the prevalence of GBV is not misplaced.

We come from a painful history of violence that has created an environment where, to this day, others are perceived  as less important or unworthy within our communities.

For as long as perpetrators do not come to the realisation that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, the laws that have been enacted will have little impact.

To win the war requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of society. We all have a responsibility to report abusers, teach children about gender equality, and sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. 

The pledge, which is available on https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/endGBVF/take-the-pledge commits men to being allies and part of the solution by upholding  positive behaviour and attitudes, and taking responsibility for their actions.

The fight back against GBVF must continue. We cannot afford to look away. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor in the GCIS 

Matona
Mon, 11/25/2024 - 13:14

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Power relations contribute to violation of women

Location: News

Power relations contribute to violation of women

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Deputy Minister, Steve Letsike, says power relations between men and women contribute to violation of women.

Letsike said men have been conditioned to feel entitled to women’s time, labour, bodies and more.

“There is no competition between men and women, but men have to understand that they do not have the right over women’s bodies, that must be understood. You can be partners, you can share equality, you can share finances, but there is nothing that justifies having to violate another person, especially women… it is criminal in our country,” Letsike said.

The Deputy Minister was reacting to tthe first South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study: A Baseline Survey on Victimisation and Perpetration report conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

The study released on Monday, revealed that about 7 310 389 million women, aged 18 years and older, have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.

READ | Over seven million women have experienced physical violence, study reveals

Letsike encouraged all South Africans to do better by reporting violence against women.

“We have a big task. We cannot fail women of this country, not 30 years later… we can do better. We have to enhance and strengthen our monitoring and accountability mechanism. We are also going to integrate our gender-based violence (GBV) intervention into broader social policies, not forgetting some of the correlation of HIV, and [also] look at some of the economic equality including the gaps in education that is also linked to the drivers of violation,” Letsike said.

Letsike also underscored the importance of science in addressing societal challenges.

“We need to make sure that science is for the people, [and] we need to make sure science does not leave people behind, because, if communities own this, we will translate this data to make sense to our communities.”

She said the study is not just data, but a lifeline for South Africa.

“We must not only raise awareness but also foster prevention, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. Let us commit to turning data into action, to developing responsive and survivor-cantered interventions, and to dedicating resources that match the scale of the problem.”– SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Tue, 11/19/2024 - 12:50

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Read morePower relations contribute to violation of women

Spotlight on prevalence of GBV on women with disabilities

Location: News

Spotlight on prevalence of GBV on women with disabilities

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) will use the ongoing Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM 2024) to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) on women living with disabilities.

This is according to the Minister of Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, who on Monday received the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study: A Baseline Survey on Victimisation and Perpetration, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

The study revealed that overall, 7.7% of women aged 18 years and older had a disability.

The study noted that a higher proportion of ever-partnered women with a disability compared to those with no disability had experienced lifetime physical violence (29.3%) for women with disabilities compare to 21.7% for women with no disability.

About 31.2% of women with a disability have experienced physical and/or sexual violence (31.2%), emotional abuse (31.9%), economic abuse (16.3%) and controlling behaviours (60.0%) by a partner in their lifetime.

The study also noted that the prevalence of sexual violence from a partner was twice as high with (14.6%) for ever-partnered women living with a disability compared to 7.2% of women who did not report a disability.

With regards to the prevalence of recent forms of intimate partner violence (IPV), the report found no significant differences observed between ever-partnered women with a disability and women without a disability for recent physical violence which was 4.3%, including 3.6% of sexual violence, physical and/or sexual violence was at 6.9%, emotional abuse 9.6% and economic abuse which was at 4.4%.

“The high rates of violence experienced by women, with even higher rates experienced by women with a disability, underscores the need for government, professionals and service providers to play a crucial role in identifying women affected by GBV and to ensure that women with disabilities are included in prevention plans,” the report recommended.

Reacting to the figures on women with disability, Chikunga said heinous crimes are being committed against women who can neither hear, see, nor talk, noting that “for these women, justice is almost always denied”.

The report comes as the country continues to observe Disability Rights Awareness Month.

Chikunga said the final week of DRAM 2024 will focus on the security of persons with disabilities, addressing both natural and human-made disasters, including the pervasive threat of GBVF.

“With the 7th administration in full swing, our message is clear: the master's tools will not destroy the master's house. We need new tools, and we need them urgently. We will not tinker on the edges,” Chikunga remarked.

DRAM runs from 3 November to 3 December.

READ | Chikunga launches Disability Rights Awareness Month

Immediate action

Chikunga said the findings of the study, which revealed that that about 7 310 389 million of all women aged 18 years and older have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, should serve as a source of shame but also a call to immediate action.

She said the findings and recommendations will contribute to government’s ongoing focus on prevention, enhanced protection for victims, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

Additionally, the department is currently preparing for its five-year strategic planning session and will not only invite the team behind the study to present at the session, but also incorporate their recommendations into the five-year strategic plan.

“We need community intelligence on this complex subject—researchers, scholars, advocates, and activists who will go beyond reproducing mainstream narratives and get a granular picture from communities that face violence at a community or even street level, to ensure that justice is served.

“One of the first actions required is to challenge and deliberately repurpose all values and practices across educational, religious, cultural, sporting, and creative environments to support the fight against patriarchal chauvinism in all spheres of life. 

“We must influence the content and delivery of school curricula to nurture youth who reject the patriarchal script and the violence it perpetuates in every aspect of life,” Chikunga said.

In addition, the department will be responsible for integrating the study’s findings into the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. This includes recalibrating existing policies and programs to align with the evidence presented in the study.

The National Strategic Plan was adopted in 2020 as a society-wide programme to end gender-based violence and femicide.

The department will also benchmark from how others have fought GBVF in their contexts. 

“For example, in their 2023 study, Marco Colagrossi and colleagues drew from high-frequency data from the Italian anti-violence helpline, police reports of domestic abuse, and a unique geospatial dataset on killings of women to show that news coverage of a femicide triggers an increase in help-seeking behaviour.  They also found that help-seeking increases more when the general interest and news coverage are higher.

“We need more work in this area of research. We will also continue to mobilise funding from both public and private sector sources to ensure that our interventions against GBVF are adequately resourced. Support for civil society will be crucial in this regard,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 16:03

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Read moreSpotlight on prevalence of GBV on women with disabilities

Over seven million women have experienced physical violence, study reveals

Location: News

Over seven million women have experienced physical violence, study reveals

A study on gender-based violence (GBV) has revealed that about 7 310 389 million women, aged 18 years and older, have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.

This as the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study: A Baseline Survey on Victimisation and Perpetration, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), was released at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday.

The study presents findings of the first national study on the prevalence of gender-based violence in all nine provinces of South Africa. It outlines the prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence, as well as psychological abuse such as controlling behaviours among youth and adults 18 years and older.

The study also examined the perpetration of violence by men against their female partners and the underlying role of gender norms in driving GBV.

The study was presented by HSRC Research Director, Dr Nompumelelo Zungu, and it revealed that lifetime physical violence was significantly higher among Black African women with 35.5%, compared to women of other race groups.

“Lifetime physical violence was also significantly higher among women who were cohabiting but not married [43.4%] compared to women who were currently married and women who were not currently in a relationship,” Zungu said.

On the prevalence of lifetime sexual violence – regardless of partnered status - the study found that an estimated 2 150 342 million women nationally had experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, and this was significantly higher among women who were cohabiting but not married [14.9%], compared to women who were currently married [8.5%].

The study also showed that 35.5% of women reported experiencing lifetime physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime.

“This translates to an estimated 7 847 438 million women who experienced lifetime physical and or sexual in South Africa.

 Lifetime physical and/or sexual violence was significantly higher among women aged 35 – 49 years than those aged 50 years and older.

“Black African women were the most affected compared to other race groups. A higher proportion of women who were cohabiting but not married reported experiencing lifetime physical and/or sexual violence, compared to women who were currently married and those who were not currently in a relationship,” Zungu said.

Physical, sexual violence in the past 12 months

In addition to measuring lifetime experiences of violence, the survey measured recent experiences of GBV which are defined as experiences of some form of GBV victimisation in the past 12 months.

About 1 536 729 million women reported that they had experienced either physical and/or sexual violence in the past 12 months, while about 1 338 336 million reported that they had experienced physical violence in the past 12 months, and 432 525 reported that they had experienced sexual violence in the past 12 months.

On physical intimate partner violence (IPV) – victimisation among women - the study found that an estimated 3 221 649 million of ever-partnered women reported experiencing physical violence by a partner in their lifetime.

Zungu noted that lifetime physical IPV was significantly higher among those who were cohabiting with a partner (22.4%) but not married compared to women who were currently married (18.5%).

Overall, an estimated 2 495 451 million of ever-partnered men reported perpetrating physical IPV towards a partner during their lifetime.

“The result shows that perpetration of lifetime physical IPV started early and was significantly higher among men aged 25-34-year-old [20.5%] and 35-49-year-old men [17.6%] compared to 18-24-year-old men [9.2%]. An analysis by marital status and living arrangements showed similarities to the IPV data of women.

“Lifetime physical IPV perpetration was higher among men who were cohabiting with a partner but were not married [24.5%], compared to men who had a partner and were not cohabiting [13.9%], and men who were currently married [15.4%],” Zungu said.

Recommendations

The study recommended that The Presidency, working with the Department of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and civil society, be tasked with the role of convening key stakeholders to consensus building workshops or smaller focused sessions for the purpose of starting a broader dialogue aimed at developing a set of agreed-upon, actionable, evidence-based recommendations that are informed by the study results for the country.

“We recommend that interventions be implemented at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. This approach can assist to address the complex nature of GBV and improve prevention efforts across society.

“A collaborative approach involving various stakeholders, including government departments and other organisations, is crucial for effective implementation,” Zungu said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 14:38

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Read moreOver seven million women have experienced physical violence, study reveals

Government activities for the week 18 – 22 November 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 18 - 22 November 2024

On Monday, 18 November, the Human Sciences Research Council will release and hand over the First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study, 2022 to Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.

On Tuesday, 19 November, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Construction Industry Development Board, will host the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites at the Durban International Convention Centre.

On Wednesday, 20 November, the Commission for Gender Equality summons KwaZulu-Natal Criminal Justice Cluster departments to account on their responses to gender-based violence cases from 20-22 November 2024.

 

 

Neo
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 11:36

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 18 – 22 November 2024

Social Development announces de-registration of non-compliant NPOs

Location: News

Social Development announces de-registration of non-compliant NPOs

With the deadline to submit progress to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on the status of South Africa’s grey listing, the Department of Social Development has announced the commencement of the de-registration of non-compliant non-profit organisations (NPOs) in a phased approach. 

The department revealed this to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development.

The FATF grey listed South Africa at its February 2023 plenary meeting held in Paris. 

The FATF is the international standard-setting body that oversees global compliance with anti-money laundering rules.
It developed an Action Plan with 22 Action items linked to the eight strategic deficiencies identified in the country’s anti-money laundering and combating of financial terrorism regime.

The department noted that South Africa has made progress in five action items and has 17 outstanding items to which it must report progress by 2026.

“South Africa is required to address all 22 items in order to exit the grey-listing status. One of the action items relates to the risk of terror financing and money laundering by NPOs.

“FATF identified that NPOs can be used for terror financing and money laundering and recommended that South Africa develops an NPO Terror Funding Risk Assessment,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

This assessment titled: “The Information on the South African Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment for the Non-Profit Organisations” found that there is a medium exposure to terror financing by the NPO sector in South Africa.

The risk assessment also identified some threats that NPOs can be exposed to relating to terror financing, such as: 

•    NPOs raising funds or other support for foreign terrorist groups 
•    NPOs facilitating foreign travel for terrorist causes, amongst others, and 
•    NPOs using the Internet and online media for fundraising, recruitment and propaganda

“The Department of Social Developing together with SARS [South African Revenue Service] and the FIC [Financial Intelligence Centre], are developing monitoring mechanisms to mitigate this risk.

“There are high, medium and low risk categories. The department has commenced with the deregistering non-complaint NPOs that do not fall in the high- risk category of NPOs as one of the mitigating monitoring mechanisms.

“Closer supervision and monitoring has been instituted by the department for NPOs identified to be at high risk of terror financing,” the department said.

As of October 2024, the department had 295 052 registered NPO and 167 103 of non-compliant NPOs.

Adequate standards of governance

The Department of Social Development through the Non-profit Organisations Act, 71 of 1997, as amended by General Laws Amendment Act (GLAA) provides for the registration of three types of NPOs, namely, Trust, non-profit company (NPC) and voluntary associations.

“Non-profit organisations play a crucial role in societal development and community welfare. However, some organisations fail to comply with regulatory frameworks, risking public trust and the integrity of the sector,” the department said.

The department said it has the responsibility to encourage NPOs to maintain adequate standards of governance, transparency, and accountability and to improve those standards.

The department explained that the need to deregister non-compliant NPOs is required by the need for the department to comply with the provisions of the NPO Act.

The FATF in the Mutual Evaluation Study indicated the need to implement the law in the form of the NPO Act as amended by the GLAA legislation.

“The risk of not deregistering/cancelling noncompliant NPOs is the likelihood of those NPOs being used by criminals for money laundering and terrorist financing.

Processes

“The department has a responsibility that NPOs that are not complying with provisions of the NPO Act are removed from the NPO Register as required in terms of section 21 (1) of the NPO Act deregistration or cancellation of NPOs is primarily about NPOs that fail to submit annual reports as required in terms of section 18 (1) of the NPO Act,” the department said. 

Other instances that might lead to cancellation of registration status is when an organisation does not comply with the provisions of its own founding document. The department said the objective of the deregistration/cancellation is to identify NPOs that have failed to submit annual reports. 

The department issues them with notices of compliance and subsequently remove them from the NPO register kept in terms of section 24 of the NPO Act.

The department will also provide deregistered/cancelled NPOs with an opportunity to appeal against the decision to remove them from the NPO Register.

The department will further raise its awareness program on the intention to deregister NPOs.

Steps taken:  

•    The process for deregistration/cancellation will start with the verification of compliance status.
•    Once an organisation is found to be owing annual reports, it would be issued with a notice of compliance that would explain the annual reports that the organisation failed to submit.
•    The organisation will be given 30 days to submit outstanding annual reports.
•    Once an organisation fails to submit the required reports or fail to respond timeously to the issued noticed it would be cancelled or removed from the NPO Register.
•    Deregistered/cancelled organisations will be afforded an opportunity to appeal against the decision of the Director to cancel the organisation’s registration status.
•    The organisation would be required to submit a notice of appeal together with supporting documents.
•    The notice of appeal together with relevant documents will be sent to the chairperson of the panel of arbitrators for distribution to the appointed arbitration tribunal for the adjudication of the appeal.
•    The arbitration tribunal works independently and is appointed by the Minister in terms of section 9 (1) of the NPO Act.
•     A lodged appeal must be considered with 3 months of receipt of the appeal.
•    An appeal can either be denied or upheld. Once an appeal is upheld the department must reinstate the appellant and the organisation should be considered never to have been deregistered. 

The department said that a denied appeal may take the matter on review with a competent court of law. 

“The deregistration of non-compliant non-profit organizations is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector.

“By implementing a structured process, we can ensure that only organisations that meet compliance standards continue to operate, thereby protecting the interests of beneficiaries and the public at large,” the department said.

The department will deregister organisations according to the different financial years and it will be over a period of six to 12 months.

This is done with an intention not to cause alarm to the sector and give other NPOs time to respond to the call to submit annual reports.

The department said it will continue to support NPOs by creating an enabling environment for them to operate effectively and efficiently. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 11/14/2024 - 10:58

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Read moreSocial Development announces de-registration of non-compliant NPOs

Private sector an important player in education sector

Location: News

Private sector an important player in education sector

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the private sector to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level. 

The Minister highlighted that the private sector has the resources, expertise, and capacity to make an enormous impact on the education landscape. 

In addition, the country has seen more private sector entities involved in education initiatives investing in infrastructure, providing technology, supporting teacher training, and even partnering with educational institutions to design relevant, future-oriented curricula. 

The Minister was addressing the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast held at the Johannesburg Council for The Disabled (JOCOD) in Lenasia on Monday. 

The business breakfast was designed to foster meaningful dialogue and establish partnerships to alleviate budgetary constraints in the education sector. 

Minister Gwarube used the event to outline her strategic priorities for the seventh administration and to discuss how the public-private sector collaboration can drive sustainable improvements in the education system.

“Today, I want to call on our private sector partners to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level. 

“As South Africa’s seventh administration in the Government of National Unity [GNU], we are fully committed to improving education outcomes across the country. 

“We recognise that this cannot be achieved by government alone. The private sector has a significant role to play, and we are here to facilitate, support, and collaborate with you in ways that make the greatest impact,” she said, adding that a step-change investment in education means more than just financial support, it means active participation. 

The Minister invited the private sector partners to work closely with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to co-create programs that build the skills needed for a competitive and productive economy. 

“We need your input, your insights, and your innovation to help shape our education system in a way that prepares learners for real-world challenges and opportunities.”

Investing in quality education

With the country having ushered in a GNU in May, the Minister emphasised that education was an important issue that everyone can agree on, regardlessof their political inclinations.

She said every single South African has a vested interest in the quality of the nation’s education sector while adding that since the dawn of democracy, much has been done to provide access to basic education.

However, 30 years later, she said the nation now needed to shift its focus to quality education.

The Minister referred to an international study that revealed that about the 80% of learners who were tested (as a sample) could not read for meaning in any language.

While this was a small sample, she said that this was gravely concerning.

“If we do not fix literacy – which is reading, writing and counting – the DBE had failed on its core function. This is why every single priority in the seventh administration speaks to this goal.

“We must make sure through early child learning; we can achieve the goal of reading for meaning by Grade 4. Government has a tendency to focus only on the quality of outcomes like the matric pass rate – but not on the foundations of learning.

“I endeavour to reorientate this planning and thinking. Let us get the basics right and we will achieve a great deal in the education sector,” the Minister said. 

Minister Gwarube emphasised that quality education is the foundation upon which the country can build a prosperous future. 

“It is the tool that will empower our young people to innovate, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully to their communities and economies. 

“However, to achieve this, our education systems must be strong, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of a modern workforce.”

She further emphasised the need to provide not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also the skills necessary for the jobs and challenges of the 21st century which are digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity.

Priorities 

Touching on the priorities, the Minister said the 7th Administration has identified several key priorities which include improved access to and strengthen the quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD). 

“A strong foundation is important for literacy and numeracy. Early Childhood Development sets the stage for lifelong learning and personal development. We want every child in South Africa to leave our ECDs with a solid foundation in reading and counting,” the Minister said. 

Other priorities are improving literacy and numeracy across all phases of schooling, special education, accelerated teacher development and safety in schools. 

“Learners need safe, conducive environments where they can focus on their studies without interruption. This includes basic facilities such as dignified flushing toilets, but also learning environments free from crime, extortion rackets, contaminated food products and other dangerous chemical,” she said. 

The Minister noted the high number of learners who have fallen ill and children from Naledi in Gauteng who tragically lost their lives due to food bought from local spaza shops and consumed on school premises. 

“Last week Wednesday I began a process to ban the dangerous chemical known as organophosphate from all schools in South Africa. This is a proactive measure to prevent the risk of this chemical ever being used as a pesticide in any of our schools,” she said.

READ | Food poisoning incidents managed at highest level, says President Ramaphosa
 – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 14:39

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Read morePrivate sector an important player in education sector