The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) wish to inform members of the public that the closing date for submissions in respect of the Joint National Inquiry into the Reporting, Victim Support, Investigation and Pre-Trial Functioning of the Criminal Justice System Response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa has been extended.
The Commissions have received an overwhelming response to the public call for submissions issued on 18 July 2026, reflecting the significant public interest in the Inquiry and the collective commitment of victims and/or survivors, families, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, researchers, legal practitioners, service providers, academics, institutions, and members of the public to contribute towards strengthening South Africa's response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
The Commissions extend their sincere appreciation to every individual and organisation that has already participated in this important national process. The submissions received thus far demonstrate the importance of ensuring that the Inquiry is informed by diverse experiences, evidence-based research, institutional perspectives, and recommendations for reform. The Commissions have also received numerous requests from stakeholders seeking additional time to prepare comprehensive submissions, consult affected communities, compile supporting documentation, and ensure that their contributions accurately reflect the lived experiences and systemic challenges relevant to the Inquiry.
Having carefully considered these requests, and recognising the importance of meaningful public participation, inclusivity, transparency, and ensuring that all interested persons have a reasonable opportunity to contribute, the Commissions have resolved to extend the deadline for submissions.
Accordingly, the new closing date for submissions is 11 September 2026.
This extension is intended to promote broad public participation and to afford interested individuals and organisations sufficient opportunity to prepare detailed, evidence-based submissions that will assist the Inquiry in identifying systemic challenges, assessing institutional accountability, and developing practical recommendations to strengthen the criminal justice system's response to GBVF.
Submissions should continue to be directed to:
Mr. Tsietsi Shuping
Head of Legal Department
Commission for Gender Equality
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Adv. Afika Nqeto
Acting Senior Legal Officer
South African Human Rights Commission
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Adv. Sphezulu Zulu
Manager: Investigation & Conflict Resolution Unit
CRL Rights Commission
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The Commissions thank all participants for their continued support, engagement, and commitment to advancing accountability, improving survivor protection, and strengthening South Africa's criminal justice system response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION FOR GENDER EQUALITY, THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, AND THE COMMISSION FOR THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND LINGUISTIC COMMUNITIES.