​Qaqambile Mdledle
Violence against women remains a pandemic in South Africa. However, the Gauteng provincial government continues to work tirelessly to fight the scourge against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The province is taking urgent and decisive steps to make the province much safer for all, especially for women and children.
"We have deployed Gender-Based Violence Brigades in all wards and 30 dedicated GBVF social workers were appointed. The Department of Community Safety has also roped in 610 safety volunteers participating as GBV Brigades," said Premier David Makhura on Monday.
Speaking during his 10th State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre, Makhura said working with law enforcement agencies, the GBV Brigades were on the frontline in the fight against GBV, working in their wards visiting households and creating awareness on the impact thereof. 
 In addition, the Gauteng Provincial Government has established 39 Green Doors across the province to offer immediate assistance to victims of GBV.
The Green Doors provide victims with a safe place, counselling, advice on opening a case and taking action against their abusers, basic emotional support, basic care and a place to rest.
Since 2019, a total of 1 151 GBV and crime victims have accessed and received support in these shelters. 
Makhura said the province has launched the Floor Management Programme within police stations to limit secondary victimisation and waiting times for those reporting GBVF crimes. 
"As a result of our efforts, we have reached a total of 437 895 beneficiaries through a programme of no violence against women and children, including 16 Days of Activism."
The footprint has extended to institutions of higher learning, with a total number of 122 382 having been reached through the awareness programme.
In protecting children in schools, the premier said all new staff members are now subjected to vetting. 
Turning to crime, Makhura said government has established the War Room on Fighting Crime as part of building safer communities. 
"The war room on crime brings together all spheres of government, civil society, the private sector and critical stakeholders ensuring that we build a safer Gauteng."
A total of 5 355 patrollers and 221 Community Policing Forum (CPF) members were trained in partnership with the South African Police Service to rid the area of crime.
In the year ahead, Makhura said, 1000 new CPF members will be trained. 
Operation O Kae Molao will be intensified and strengthened in collaboration with private law enforcement agencies through the Eyes & Ears Programme.
"We call upon the people of Gauteng to join hands with the government in the fight against crime," he said
The community has been encouraged to report any forms of criminal activities at their nearest police stations or contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.