Municipal leaders and partners in Mpumalanga have adopted a bold declaration aimed at accelerating action against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) while strengthening women’s leadership in local government.

The Mpumalanga SALGA Women’s Commission (SWC) Provincial Lekgotla concluded at Premier Hotel The Winkler after a two-day programme held on 10 and 11 February 2026 under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End GBVF.” Delegates included councillors, provincial departments, Chapter 9 institutions, traditional leadership and civil society organisations, with discussions focused on prevention, protection, survivor support and accountability.

Opening the gathering, Mpumalanga SWC Provincial Commissioner Cllr S. Makushe-Mazibuko described GBVF as a lived reality across communities and called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response. She said the Lekgotla was convened to reflect on SWC work, assess progress on previous resolutions, strengthen Multi-Party Women’s Commissions (MPWCs) as Section 79 committees, improve women’s representation and deepen gender mainstreaming across municipalities.

Keynote speaker Cllr S.E. Mgcina, Gauteng SWC Provincial Commissioner, urged leaders to demonstrate courage and coordination, adding that the SWC must drive gender-responsive governance, influence implementation and hold institutions accountable for measurable change.

Delegates heard a provincial update on GBVF from Major General D.G. Xaba, who emphasised the need to strengthen policing partnerships and community-based prevention structures working alongside municipalities and traditional leadership.

The adopted SWC Declaration commits municipalities to time-bound measures, including stronger multi-sectoral partnerships with SAPS, the Office of the Premier, the Department of Social Development, the Commission for Gender Equality, traditional leadership and NGOs. It also calls for institutionalising the National Strategic Plan on GBVF within local government through gender-responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring and auditing in the 2026/27 municipal cycle.

Other resolutions include implementing gender budget classification, prioritising women for senior management roles, expanding mentorship and leadership development, and improving survivor-centred support at first-contact points to reduce secondary victimisation. SALGA was also mandated to lobby for stronger GBVF integration in municipal planning frameworks and to support the establishment and monitoring of key services and structures, including Thuthuzela Care Centres and functional MPWCs across municipalities.