11 March 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Unveils Initiatives to Advance Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has introduced new measures to accelerate gender equality and enhance economic empowerment for women in the province.


Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations held at the KwaMashu Indoor Sports Centre, north of Durban, on Saturday, Ntuli outlined key government interventions aimed at addressing gender-based violence, economic exclusion, and the lack of access to resources for women.


Ntuli highlighted the alarming statistics of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in eThekwini, where 2,252 cases were reported between October and December 2024. Calling it a national crisis that requires urgent action, he announced several government-led initiatives to combat GBVF, including the launch of a GBVF mobile app, developed in collaboration with the private sector, to provide real-time emergency assistance and access to support services. He also announced the construction of a Thuthuzela Care Centre in Jozini, in partnership with Spar Group Ltd, to support GBV survivors. Additionally, the government will expedite the establishment of a Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in eThekwini to improve access to critical GBV services and strengthen psycho-social support through 21 shelters and 31 White Door Centres, offering emergency accommodation and victim assistance.


Recognising the link between economic vulnerability and gender-based violence, the Premier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s financial empowerment. He emphasized the impact of the R200 million Women Advancement Fund, launched in August 2024, which provides funding for women entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses, mentorship and skills development programmes to foster long-term business success, and access to markets and resources, ensuring women’s full participation in the province’s economy. Ntuli announced that district-wide roadshows would soon take place to assist women in applying for funding and accessing business development support.


The Premier urged all sectors of society—including government, businesses, community leaders, and traditional authorities—to work together in the fight for gender equality, stressing that gender justice is a shared responsibility. “We must go beyond words and take real, measurable action to bring lasting change. Women are the backbone of our communities, and we must ensure they live in a world where they are safe, empowered, and have equal opportunities,” Ntuli stated.


The event concluded with inspiring stories of resilience and success from women in various industries, encouraging others to seize the opportunities provided by the provincial government.