More than 3,500 additional social workers are expected to be appointed over the next three years as part of efforts to strengthen support for vulnerable families and prevent violence against women. The government has reprioritized R3.8 billion over the 2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period to appoint 3,552 social workers in response to rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the allocation when he presented the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on 21 October. The announcement follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to address the high levels of violence against women in South Africa.
The funding is intended to strengthen prevention, early intervention, psychosocial support and victim empowerment services. Social workers are expected to play an important role in identifying risks, assisting vulnerable households and intervening before situations escalate into abuse.
On 22 October, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development welcomed the allocation, saying stronger social work services were necessary to help prevent violence and support individuals and families in vulnerable circumstances. Committee chairperson Bridget Masango said the impact would depend on effective implementation, including the timely recruitment and deployment of professionals to communities where services are most needed.
The government has also announced additional funding to strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to gender-based violence. A further R186 million has been allocated to improve forensic services and investigative capacity. Plans are also in place to increase the number of sexual offences courts from 55 to 101 and expand the number of Thuthuzela Care Centres from 72 to 80 by the 2028/29 financial year. These centres provide support to rape survivors.
An additional R157.4 million has been allocated to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to improve national coordination and oversight of the government’s response. The measures are intended to strengthen different stages of intervention, from preventing abuse and supporting survivors to improving investigations and access to justice. However, the parliamentary committee has stressed that implementation and accountability will be essential to ensure the money reaches communities and delivers meaningful results. The allocation forms part of the government’s broader response to the country’s high levels of gender-based violence and femicide.
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