Fighting Gender-Based Violence Every Day: Ilitha Labantu Ongoing Mission

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most critical challenges facing South African communities. While often highlighted during crisis moments, organizations like Ilitha Labantu work year-round to protect vulnerable individuals and advocate for systemic change.

On Bush Radio 89.5FM, we spoke with Siyabulela, a representative from Ilitha Labantu, about the organization’s decades-long commitment to ending GBV and their upcoming Freedom Month Awareness Campaign in Hout Bay.

Over Five Decades of Commitment

Ilitha Labantu’s history stretches back over 55 years, making it one of the most enduring forces fighting GBV in South Africa.
With more than 30 years of direct experience addressing gender violence, the organization has evolved from a small local effort into a comprehensive service provider.

Today, Ilitha Labantu offers:

• Psychosocial support for survivors
• Legal advice and court support
• Capacity building for other NGOs
• Partnerships with stakeholders like SAPS, Social Development, Law Enforcement, and Public Affairs

Siya explained that one of the organization's key strategies is to build collaborative networks that provide holistic support to victims and communities affected by violence.

GBV is a Year-Round Issue

Siya emphasized that gender-based violence does not disappear when media coverage fades.

"Gender-based violence is not a seasonal issue — it’s a daily reality for many communities," he stated.

Through continuous engagement with communities like Nusamoya and beyond, Ilitha Labantu ensures that support systems remain active and accessible every day of the year. 

Freedom Month Awareness Campaign

To further their message, Ilitha Labantu hosted a Freedom Month Awareness Campaign in

The campaign featured a montage-style procession moving through densely populated areas.
Key activities include:

• Distributing pamphlets with information about GBV prevention and support services
• Using a “healing van” to broadcast messages of empowerment and healing
• Direct engagement with residents along the route

The campaign not only raises awareness about GBV but also highlighted related community challenges, such as poverty, housing shortages, and sanitation issues.

Challenges in Accessing Justice

During the interview, Siya addressed the systemic obstacles survivors often face in seeking justice. He pointed out that delays in case reporting, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and lack of proper follow-through in the justice system continue to discourage victims from coming forward.

Ilitha Labantu focuses on empowering individuals to report GBV cases early and properly, offering guidance on how to navigate the system effectively.

Siya urged community members to recognize that even witnessing abuse places a responsibility to report and support victims.

Call to Action: Youth Involvement and Community Support

Siya encourages youth participation in anti-GBV initiatives, highlighting the critical role that young people can play in building safer, more resilient communities.

Ilitha Labantu also called for broader volunteer support and public awareness campaigns to sustain and expand their services.

For anyone needing assistance or looking to get involved:

• 24-Hour Assistance Lines: 072 076 6118 or 072 063 4407
• Website: www.ilithalabantu.org.za

Presenter: Jasnine Roberts

Producer: Lydia M