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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape is calling on National Treasury to put meaningful resources behind the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The call follows a recent parliamentary reply that revealed that 21,229 violations of protection orders were recorded in the province over the past three financial years.

Despite GBVF being declared a national disaster, the response to this crisis has been sluggish at best. Victims cannot afford delays, empty promises or government plans that fail to translate into meaningful action. A national disaster declaration must be matched by an urgent, coordinated and properly funded response that delivers real protection to those at risk.

The figure from the parliamentary reply is a serious warning that protection orders must be backed by effective enforcement. For victims of domestic violence and abuse, obtaining a protection order can be an incredibly difficult and dangerous step. It takes immense courage to seek legal protection from someone who may continue to threaten, intimidate or harm them.

As the Minister of Finance tables the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament today, the DA calls for a clear, funded and measurable action plan to strengthen the government's response to GBVF. Victims cannot afford another round of promises without the resources needed to turn them into action.

The DA calls for:

• Stronger enforcement: Ensure that police have the capacity to respond swiftly to reported violations, investigate cases and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Proper resourcing: Allocate sufficient funding for trained officers, victim support services, shelters and access to legal assistance.
• Improved accountability: Track protection order violations, monitor police responses and publish regular progress reports.
• Better coordination: Strengthen cooperation between SAPS, courts, prosecutors, social services and victim support organisations to close gaps that leave victims vulnerable.

Benedicta van Minnen, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety said: “The Medium-Term Budget is an opportunity to demonstrate that protecting vulnerable South Africans is a practical priority, not merely a political commitment. Budget allocations must reflect the urgency of this crisis and support the institutions responsible for keeping victims safe.”

Van Minnen concluded: “Every person who seeks protection deserves to be taken seriously. Every violation must be acted upon. And every victim deserves a system that protects them before it is too late.”

The DA in the Western Cape will continue to demand accountability, effective law enforcement and tangible action against GBVF.

Issued by DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety Benedicta van Minnen