In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, the Pinetown Magistrates Court team embraced the End GBVF 100-Day Challenge with a vision to make a tangible difference. 

The team’s primary focus was to raise awareness of the laws related to GBVF and equip vulnerable communities—particularly those in rural areas—with the knowledge and resources to respond to abuse. The outreach wasn’t limited to physical violence; it also illuminated emotional, financial, and systemic abuses that often go unnoticed.

Overcoming Barriers and Building Trust

The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Communities often misunderstood Legal Aid SA’s dual role in providing representation to both victims and perpetrators, leading to mistrust. However, the team dealt with this challenge head-on, using their platforms to explain the importance of justice for all while emphasizing her commitment to ending GBVF.

Impact by the Numbers

Through strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, including uMhlathuze Municipality, the Department of Social Development (DSD), SAPS, and various non-profits, the team made a significant impact:

• Community outreach events: Reached hundreds of individuals, with a focus on women and the elderly, who are often the most vulnerable.
• Donations: 25 children under 10 received clothing and toys, bringing hope to young lives affected by GBVF.
• Education campaigns: Provided critical information about marriage regimes, wills, land rights, and reporting processes, empowering women to protect their homes and livelihoods.

In many cases, attendees expressed that this was their first exposure to the broader definitions of abuse, including emotional and financial mistreatment.

Innovations and Breakthroughs

The Pinetown Magistrates Court team didn’t just educate communities—they broke down barriers. By addressing cultural norms that often silence victims, they inspired women to step forward and empowered men to take accountability through DSD-led men’s dialogues.

One of the standout moments was witnessing the trust they built with community members. The stigma of Legal Aid SA being “only for criminals” was replaced with gratitude for their dedication to protecting vulnerable groups.

A System Revealed

The challenge highlighted systemic gaps:

• Rural women lacked awareness of their rights, particularly regarding land and inheritance disputes.
• Psychological and legal support services were inaccessible due to financial constraints and long travel distances.
• Cultural stigmas deterred families from reporting GBVF cases, especially rape, to avoid public shame.

These revelations fueled the team’s drive to advocate for justice and ensure communities were equipped with the tools to fight for their rights.

Sustaining their work

The team’s work is far from over, as they remain committed to sustaining and expanding their impact. Plans are in place to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Department of Social Development (DSD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and various non-profit organizations. They aim to host regular outreach programs to maintain the momentum built during the 100-Day Challenge and to reach even more vulnerable communities. Additionally, they intend to create platforms for ongoing education and dialogue, with a particular focus on providing spaces where men can reflect on their role in ending GBVF and become active participants towards ending GBVF.

The Ripple Effect of Change

The Pinetown Magistrates Court team’s participation in the 100-Day Challenge was a transformative experience—not just for the communities they served but for the team itself. “This initiative took me out of my comfort zone,” shared one of the team members “It changed my perspective and deepened my commitment to serving society.”

Their message was clear: GBVF affects us all, and it requires collective action, awareness, and resilience. Through their unwavering efforts, the team proved that change is possible, one outreach program, one conversation, and one empowered individual at a time.