KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has emphasised the critical role that digital initiatives can play in addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“We must explore innovative ways to use technology as a weapon against GBVF. Digital platforms can provide immediate access to support services, real-time emergency assistance, and critical legal resources for victims, particularly students and young women who are vulnerable to abuse,” Ntuli said.
His comments follow a recent high-level brainstorming session with key stakeholders from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector convened by the Premier.
The session aimed to explore technological solutions to address the rising tide of GBVF, with particular attention given to the alarming impact on students in higher education institutions.
The discussion sought to identify digital strategies to strengthen intervention efforts and improve support systems for victims.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of GBVF as a national pandemic in 2020, acknowledging its alarming rise and the urgent need for innovative, technology-driven solutions.
Key areas
The session focused on developing and integrating technology-driven solutions into the province’s GBVF response framework.
The session explored key areas of intervention, including:
• Tech-based emergency response systems – Exploring real-time mobile applications and alert platforms for victims in distress.
• Digital awareness campaigns – Strengthening online engagement to educate communities on GBVF prevention.
• AI-driven safety monitoring – Implementing artificial intelligence to track and report high-risk areas for targeted interventions.
• Public-private partnerships – Enhancing collaboration between the ICT industry, business sector, and government to drive digital transformation in GBVF prevention.
Ntuli highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to harnessing ICT solutions to create safer communities while also ensuring swift intervention in GBVF cases.
He commended the business sector and ICT industry for their willingness to partner with the government in developing TechServy Systems, a technology-based tool designed to combat GBVF through data-driven interventions, real-time tracking, and enhanced accessibility of support services.
Commitment to action
The meeting concluded with stakeholders agreeing on practical steps to fast-track the development and implementation of digital safety solutions across KwaZulu-Natal and reinforcing the province’s proactive stance against GBVF.
Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to work with ICT stakeholders to implement sustainable, tech-driven GBVF solutions.
“Leveraging technology is no longer optional but essential in tackling the crisis effectively. This session marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to integrate ICT innovations into our fight against GBVF.
“Our government is dedicated to ensuring that every victim has access to immediate help, every perpetrator is held accountable, and every community is safer through digital transformation,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
