Cape Town:The government of South Africa has shifted R3.8 billion over the 2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period to hire 3,552 social workers. This move comes in response to a recent surge in violence against women.
According to South African Government News Agency, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced this during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in the National Assembly. He emphasized that these funds support President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to addressing the high levels of gender-based violence and femicide in the country.
In addition to hiring social workers, R186 million has been allocated to enhance the criminal justice system's forensic and investigative capabilities. The government plans to expand sexual offences courts from 55 to 101 and increase Thuthuzela Care Centres from 72 to 80 by 2028/29 to support rape victims.
Furthermore, the government has allocated an additional R157.4 million to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to improve coordination and oversight in combating gender-based violence.
In a related effort, R556.7 million will be redirected to maintain HIV and AIDS services due to the withdrawal of funding from the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This funding will add to the R3.8 billion already redirected through the district health programmes grant.
