Women’s Justice and Empowerment Initiative Report on the Proceedings of the Fifth Sexual Offences Indaba

The event brought together approximately 190 participants from national and provincial departments, as well as implementing partners and donor organizations. The Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. N Jiba, officially opened the Indaba, emphasizing the importance of the event in promoting a culture of leadership and accountability in addressing sexual and gender-based violence. The Indaba was themed around three key areas: developing a culture of leadership and accountability, towards service delivery excellence, and sustained gender-based violence interventions. The event provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to share best practices, review progress made since 2011, and consolidate plans for addressing sexual and gender-based violence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Justice and Crime Prevention family acknowledged the support provided by donor partners, including USAID, UNICEF, and the Danish government, through the establishment of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) under the WJEI programme. Advocate Thoko Majokweni highlighted the significance of the Indaba as a consultative forum for sexual offences in the country, aimed at preventing and containing these types of crimes, and responding effectively and decisively. She emphasized the importance of respect and accountability in programme implementation, and the need for continuous review and improvement of service delivery protocols. The Indaba also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the nation's achievements in addressing sexual and gender-based violence, including the enactment of the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act (SORMA) and the tabling of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Bill. The USAID-funded WJEI programme has supported the establishment of 23 TCCs, which have served over 20,000 survivors of sexual violence. The programme has also facilitated self-assessments in 34 TCCs to improve service delivery, and has developed the TCC Information Management System (TIMS) to identify TCCs that require guidance and support. The TCC model has been recognized as efficient in providing services to survivors, and has served as a best practice model for addressing sexual and gender-based violence. The Indaba also highlighted the importance of telling victim's stories to empower them, rather than embarrassing them. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and best practices in addressing sexual and gender-based violence, and to reflect on the nation's progress in addressing these issues. The Indaba's recommendations and conclusions will inform the development of a National Policy Framework for Sexual Offences, a National Strategy for Family Violence, Children and Sexual Offences, and other initiatives aimed at addressing sexual and gender-based violence in South Africa.