KwaZulu-Natal Premier Announces Measures to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Financial Challenges

The KwaZulu-Natal government has announced the recruitment of 173 volunteers to be stationed in police departments across the province. These volunteers aim to enhance the enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act and actively participate in campaigns against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The declaration was made by the provincial premier, Thami Ntuli, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address these critical issues.

Premier Ntuli further elaborated on the initiative during his reflection on his first 100 days in office. He cited the transfer of the department of community and safety liaison to the office of the premier as a strategic move to bolster the province’s resources in combating crime and social issues. “We launched a crime prevention campaign named Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla. This initiative focuses on the growing number of undocumented illegal foreign nationals and companies employing them,” Ntuli stated. The campaign began in eThekwini and later expanded to Mandeni, with plans to extend it to additional districts.

Despite these efforts, Premier Ntuli acknowledged the financial constraints impeding the province’s ability to meet all its objectives within initial timelines. In response, the administration has implemented cost-reduction strategies, including a 30% cutback in travel expenses and extending the replacement cycle of vehicles and computers. These adjustments aim to optimize the use of available resources while ensuring that non-essential spending is minimized.

Premier Ntuli also emphasized the importance of enhancing the province’s revenue streams. He underlined the need for all governmental departments to improve revenue-raising and collection efforts to bolster funding for critical service delivery programs. “We need to be smart in resource utilization,” Ntuli expressed, adding that efforts are underway to explore unconventional revenue avenues, such as public-private partnerships and sustainable utilization of natural resources.

Addressing the issue of financial efficiency, Ntuli pointed out a reliance on consultants, which cost the province R3.6 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year. He announced plans to fill vacant posts, thereby reducing dependency on external consultants for essential services. Furthermore, building capacities at district offices to tighten financial control mechanisms and minimize losses was identified as a priority.

Significant concern was also raised regarding medico-legal claims amounting to R7.3 billion, posing a substantial liability on healthcare service delivery. Ntuli asserted the government’s commitment to tackling this issue progressively to alleviate the financial burden on health services. “With visible leadership, we are committed to fostering a culture of accountability to transform the lives of our people,” he concluded.