Calls to South Africa’s 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre surged by 21% in September, following the discovery of 10 women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni.
The Department of Social Development said the Command Centre received 6,782 calls between 1 and 16 September 2026, averaging 424 calls a day.
This compares with an average of 350 calls per day during the same period in August.
The increase became particularly pronounced between 13 and 16 September, when daily call volumes climbed to around 500.
On 16 September alone, the centre recorded 589 calls, its highest daily total during the period under review.
The department attributed the sharp increase to the discovery of the bodies of 10 women in Ekurhuleni, which has intensified public concern and calls for urgent action to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Spike puts pressure on support services
The surge highlights growing demand for support and intervention services as concerns over GBVF intensify.
However, the department cautioned that further monitoring and analysis will be required to determine whether the increase represents a sustained trend or a short-term response to recent events.
Officials also said the higher call volumes could reflect increased public awareness and greater willingness to seek assistance and report incidents of gender-based violence.
The Department of Social Development has called on men and members of the public to take an active role in challenging GBVF in homes, communities and workplaces.
Members of the public can contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428 for assistance and to report incidents.
The department said coordinated action across communities and institutions remains critical in responding to gender-based violence and supporting those affected.
