Civil rights organisation Action Society has condemned the 2026 national budget, warning that the government’s failure to allocate “a single cent” to combat gender-based violence (GBV) comes as the latest crime statistics reveal a deadly toll on women and children.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the budget on Wednesday, focusing on economic recovery and crime interventions such as illegal mining and gangsterism. However, the organisation says the continued omission of targeted GBV funding undermines efforts to address what has been declared a national crisis.
“Not a single word or cent was allocated specifically to the fight against violence against women and children,” said Action Society spokesperson Juanita du Preez.
Her remarks come just days after the latest quarterly crime statistics were presented by the South African Police Service, showing the scale of violence between October and December 2025.
According to the figures, 957 women were murdered during the three-month period, while at least 315 children were also killed.  These numbers translate to roughly 10 women and more than three children murdered every day — a stark reflection of the country’s ongoing violence crisis.
Police data further indicates that thousands more women and children were victims of attempted murder, assault and sexual offences over the same period, placing immense strain on the criminal justice system and support services.
Action Society argues that despite these alarming statistics, the government has failed to match its rhetoric with funding.
“Government cannot claim that safety is a priority while failing to fund the most urgent safety crisis we face,” du Preez said.
The organisation highlighted persistent challenges, including forensic backlogs, under-resourced police units, and overwhelmed shelters that support survivors of abuse. Without dedicated funding, it warned, these systemic weaknesses will continue to delay justice and leave victims vulnerable.
“Crime statistics do not protect victims. Convictions do,” du Preez added. “And convictions require resources.”
South Africa continues to record some of the highest levels of violent crime globally, with more than 5,700 murders reported in a single quarter in 2025 — averaging over 60 deaths a day.  Within this broader crisis, violence against women and children remains one of the most pervasive and devastating forms.
Action Society has called on the National Treasury and the Parliament of South Africa to urgently clarify whether any funding exists within broader allocations and to present a clear, time-bound plan to tackle GBV.
“A budget reflects a government’s priorities,” the organisation said. “Today’s budget makes it clear that women and children were not one of them.”
