South Africa Allocates R1.6 Billion to Fight GBVF in 2026/27 Police Budget

The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) by allocating R1.6 billion towards programmes and activities aimed at combating the crisis as part of the 2026/27 South African Police Service (SAPS) Budget Vote.

An additional R50 million has also been allocated to provincial baselines, underlining government’s continued recognition of GBVF as a national priority requiring coordinated intervention across all levels of government.

Presenting the SAPS Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia emphasized that addressing crime and violence in South Africa requires a broader societal response that goes beyond traditional policing.

Government Calls for Whole-of-Society Approach to Crime

During his address, Cachalia stressed that policing alone cannot solve South Africa’s persistent crime challenges, which are closely linked to deep-rooted social and economic issues.

“Policing alone cannot solve crime. Crime is driven by deep social and economic challenges that require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” Cachalia said.

He explained that the government’s Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy remains central to efforts aimed at reducing crime and building safer communities across the country.

According to the Acting Minister, long-term crime prevention depends on strengthening multiple areas of society, including:

• Family structures

• School safety

• Youth development programmes

• Substance abuse prevention

• Urban planning and infrastructure

• Community partnerships

• Intergovernmental cooperation

Officials say the strategy reflects a growing understanding that sustainable crime prevention requires social intervention alongside law enforcement measures.

Major Funding Commitment to Combat GBVF

The R1.6 billion allocation towards Gender-Based Violence and Femicide programmes signals continued government focus on addressing one of South Africa’s most serious social and human rights challenges.

Gender-based violence remains a major concern in the country, with high levels of domestic violence, sexual offences and femicide continuing to affect communities nationwide.

Cachalia confirmed that Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo is leading government initiatives aimed at strengthening the national response to GBV and improving support systems for victims.

The funding is expected to support a range of interventions, including:

• Victim support services

• Specialized policing units

• Community awareness campaigns

• Improved investigation capacity

• Prevention and early intervention programmes

• Training and support for frontline officers

Government officials have repeatedly emphasized that combating GBVF requires coordinated efforts involving law enforcement agencies, social services, healthcare institutions, schools and community organizations.

Community Patroller Programme to Boost Crime Prevention

As part of efforts to improve community safety and visibility in high-crime areas, the Acting Minister announced the implementation of a structured national community patroller programme.

The initiative is intended to strengthen community-based crime prevention while improving cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

“These patrollers will not do police work, and will be properly regulated, community-centred and implemented under SAPS coordination, with appropriate vetting, training and oversight mechanisms,” Cachalia said.

Officials noted that the programme aims to create safer neighbourhoods by increasing visible community presence and encouraging local participation in crime prevention initiatives.

The government emphasized that patrollers will operate within clearly defined guidelines and will not replace professional policing functions.

Community Structures Recognised for Supporting Public Safety

Cachalia also praised the role played by community organizations and volunteers in supporting law enforcement efforts and promoting social cohesion.

He acknowledged the contributions of:

• Community Policing Forums (CPFs)

• Neighbourhood safety structures

• Faith-based organisations

• Community volunteers

“Across the country, Community Policing Forums (CPF), neighbourhood structures, faith-based organisations and community volunteers continue to play an important role in strengthening safety and social cohesion,” he said.

Community policing structures have become increasingly important in many South African communities, particularly in areas affected by high levels of violent crime, gang activity and substance abuse.

Integrated Crime Prevention Strategy Remains Key

The government’s Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy seeks to address the underlying causes of crime while improving coordination among state institutions and communities.

The approach recognises that effective crime prevention requires both enforcement and prevention measures, including:

• Economic development

• Education and social support

• Youth empowerment

• Public infrastructure improvements

• Rehabilitation programmes

• Community engagement

Analysts say this broader strategy reflects international best practices, where crime prevention increasingly focuses on addressing social inequalities and structural factors contributing to violence.

Balancing Enforcement with Prevention

The SAPS Budget Vote comes at a time when South Africa continues to face significant public concern over violent crime, gender-based violence, organised criminal activity and community safety.

While strengthening policing capacity remains a priority, government leaders are increasingly emphasizing prevention, partnerships and social interventions as essential components of long-term safety and stability.

The additional investment in GBVF programmes and community-based initiatives is expected to support efforts to improve public trust in law enforcement while strengthening support systems for vulnerable communities.

Officials believe that stronger cooperation between government institutions, civil society and local communities will be critical in achieving lasting reductions in crime and violence across South Africa.