KwaZulu-Natal Premier Champions Technology-Driven Strategies to Fight GBVF

The initiative comes as South Africa continues to grapple with GBVF, which President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national pandemic in 2020 due to its devastating rise.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has underscored the transformative potential of digital initiatives in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), calling for the urgent integration of technology into intervention efforts.

In a recent high-level engagement with key stakeholders from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, Ntuli emphasized the need for innovative digital tools that can provide real-time assistance, improve accessibility to legal and psychological support, and enhance prevention measures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as students and young women.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Tech-Driven Solutions

The initiative comes as South Africa continues to grapple with GBVF, which President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national pandemic in 2020 due to its devastating rise. KwaZulu-Natal, like other provinces, has witnessed increasing incidents of violence against women and children, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, technology-driven solutions to counter the crisis.

“The battle against GBVF cannot be fought using conventional methods alone. We must explore innovative ways to use technology as a weapon against this scourge. Digital platforms have the power to provide immediate support, ensure real-time emergency assistance, and offer critical legal resources to victims,” Premier Ntuli stated.

Collaborating for Impact: A Multi-Sectoral Approach

The engagement session, attended by representatives from the ICT industry, academia, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, sought to identify digital strategies that could be integrated into KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial response framework.

Discussions revolved around enhancing intervention measures through cutting-edge digital tools, leveraging data analytics for predictive interventions, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Key areas of focus included:

• Tech-Based Emergency Response Systems – Developing mobile applications and real-time alert platforms that can enable victims to discreetly seek assistance when in distress.
• Digital Awareness and Prevention Campaigns – Expanding online initiatives to educate communities, empower victims, and foster behavioral change.
• AI-Driven Safety Monitoring – Utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze crime hotspots, track incidents, and alert law enforcement and support services to high-risk areas.
• Public-Private Partnerships – Strengthening collaboration between government entities, the business sector, and tech industry leaders to drive digital transformation in GBVF prevention.
• Data-Driven Policing and Intervention – Implementing data analytics and machine learning tools to map GBVF trends, identify perpetrators, and allocate resources more efficiently.

TechServy Systems: A Groundbreaking Initiative

Among the most promising initiatives discussed was the development of TechServy Systems, an advanced technology-based tool designed to enhance GBVF prevention efforts. The platform aims to:

• Provide real-time tracking and monitoring of GBVF incidents.
• Facilitate immediate access to support services, including shelters, legal aid, and counseling.
• Improve communication between victims and law enforcement agencies.
• Offer AI-powered safety recommendations based on real-time data analysis.

Ntuli commended the ICT industry and business sector for their commitment to working alongside the government in bringing TechServy Systems to fruition, noting that such innovations will play a crucial role in making communities safer.

Government’s Commitment to Action

The session concluded with all stakeholders committing to fast-track the implementation of digital safety solutions across KwaZulu-Natal. Practical steps were outlined to ensure that these solutions are accessible, effective, and aligned with broader national GBVF intervention strategies.

“Leveraging technology is no longer optional but essential in tackling this crisis effectively,” Ntuli asserted. “This engagement 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.”

Moving forward, the provincial government plans to:

• Increase investments in technology-driven GBVF initiatives.
• Partner with universities and research institutions to develop AI-powered crime prevention tools.
• Strengthen legislative frameworks to incorporate digital evidence in GBVF cases.
• Expand access to digital literacy programs, ensuring victims are aware of and can utilize available online resources.

The Road Ahead: A Digital Future in GBVF Prevention

While KwaZulu-Natal has taken a significant step forward in integrating technology into GBVF prevention, there is still much work to be done. Collaboration between government bodies, private sector players, and civil society will be key in ensuring that these technological interventions are effective and sustainable.

Through these concerted efforts, the province hopes to create a model that can be replicated across South Africa, proving that digital innovation is not just a tool for convenience but a powerful force for justice, safety, and social change.