Braamfontein:The Commission for Gender Equality, South African Human Rights Commission, and the CRL Rights Commission have decided to extend the Joint National Inquiry into gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) following a strong public response.
According to South African Government News Agency, the extension was prompted by an overwhelming number of submissions from victims, survivors, families, civil society, and other stakeholders, indicating a significant public interest and a commitment to enhancing South Africa's approach to addressing GBVF.
The inquiry addresses the persistent issue of violence against women and aims to identify shortcomings in the criminal justice system's response to GBVF. Despite existing policy commitments, the involved commissions see a need for a thorough examination of the system to pinpoint areas for improvement.
This inquiry is part of Chapter 9 institutions' constitutional mandate to protect and promote rights. It focuses on Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which seeks to improve the criminal justice system's response through enhanced investigation, prosecution, and survivor protection, among other areas.
The first phase of the inquiry will cover survivor testimony and the pre-trial functioning of the justice system. Public participation is considered crucial for gathering insights and formulating recommendations to strengthen responses to GBVF.
Scheduled to take place at Braampark Office Park in Braamfontein, the inquiry will run from 29 September to 2 October 2026.