Staff Reporter
The Free State Department of Social Development says it is closely watching the increase in cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Lejweleputswa district and is working with local authorities to address the situation.
Social Development MEC Mamiki Qabathe told the Free State Legislature on Wednesday that the district has been identified as needing close attention due to the steady rise in GBV cases which have been worsened by the prevailing socio-economic conditions.
“The department has . . . registered Lejweleputswa district, Welkom in particular, as deserving greater attention in responding to the increase in GBV cases in the area,” she said as she delivered her department’s budget vote speech for the 2021/22 financial year in Botshabelo.
“We have started engaging with Thabong Police Station to ensure integrated and rapid responses to issues of GBV, social crime and substance abuse.”
The MEC said poverty, joblessness, hunger and disease have worsened the socio-economic landscape as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
This, she said, has resulted in an increase in cases of GBV as people try to tackle their personal circumstances.
About R188.3 million has been set aside for restorative services by the department in the coming year.
The figure, which makes up about 13 percent of the department’s total budget of R1.4 billion, will fund, among others, safety houses and shelters for GBV survivors, empowerment programmes for the affected, trauma counselling and awareness campaigns.
Qabathe also said there have been reports that GBV cases may be on the increase elsewhere.
Other budget allocations: administration received R293.1 million or 20 percent of the department’s budget.
Social welfare services got R245.5 million or 17 percent; children and families R558.9 million or 39 percent; and development and research, R156.5 million or 11 percent.
 in the Lejweleputswa district and is working with local authorities to address the situation.){kind=link}