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On 14 October 2025, the Matatiele Local Municipality, in partnership with the Office of the Premier and other multisectoral stakeholders, hosted the opening of a two-day capacity-building session for the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Rapid Response Team at a municipal hall in Matatiele, under the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The programme focuses on strengthening coordination, clarifying roles, and empowering team members to respond effectively to GBVF cases in local communities.
What Happened
The session brought together representatives from social services, law enforcement, health, and community organisations. Participants are engaging in discussions aimed at improving collaboration and developing a unified local response to gender-based violence.
In his opening remarks, Rapid Response Team Chairperson, Councillor Mzwamandla Nyembezi, urged all stakeholders to work together to protect vulnerable groups. “We must unite in building a safer and more caring society for all,” said Councillor Nyembezi.
Official Response
Municipal leaders stressed that the initiative aligns with Social Development Month, which promotes government’s commitment to addressing poverty, social ills, and gender-based violence. Furthermore, the municipality emphasised that the training will enhance the Rapid Response Team’s ability to prevent and respond to GBVF incidents across Matatiele.
Community Impact
The workshop aims to build long-term capacity among frontline responders and community activists. As a result, survivors of gender-based violence will receive more coordinated support and faster intervention from municipal and provincial structures.
The session will continue tomorrow, concluding with a practical planning session and community engagement strategy.
