Durban: The South African Government has announced a series of significant activities aimed at tackling gender-based violence and ensuring crime-free construction sites, scheduled from 18 to 22 November 2024. The week-long initiatives will involve multiple government departments and agencies working collaboratively to address pressing social issues.

According to South African Government News Agency, the week will commence on Monday, 18 November, with the Human Sciences Research Council releasing and handing over the First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study, 2022, to Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga. This pivotal event marks a step forward in understanding and addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in South Africa.

Continuing the week’s agenda, 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 Con
struction Sites. The summit, taking place at the Durban International Convention Centre, aims to formulate strategies and partnerships to ensure safety and security in construction environments.

Furthermore, from 20 to 22 November, the Commission for Gender Equality will summon KwaZulu-Natal Criminal Justice Cluster departments to account for their responses to gender-based violence cases. This accountability session is set to scrutinize the effectiveness and efficiency of the current systems in place, seeking improvements in handling such sensitive and critical matters.