South Africa continues to grapple with the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide. The government is once again taking the issue to the national agenda. On Thursday, 5 June 2025, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, will deliver a keynote address at the Black Business Summit. The event will be held at the Radisson OR Tambo Hotel and Convention Centre in Kempton Park, Gauteng. It is scheduled to begin at 18:00.
This major summit, hosted by the Black Business Council (BBC), comes at a critical time. South Africa strives to achieve socio-economic transformation and inclusive growth. Under the summit’s theme: “Socio-Economic Transformation and Inclusive Growth in the context of the Government of National Unity (GNU), G20 Presidency and the Changing Geopolitical Dynamics,” Deputy Minister Letsike will focus on how GBVF is not only a social issue, but a barrier to economic progress.
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A National Emergency: The Crisis of GBVF
GBV and Femicide remain a persistent and devastating crisis in South Africa. The country reports some of the highest rates of intimate partner violence and femicide in the world. The impact is not only personal—it carries enormous societal and economic costs.
Deputy Minister Letsike will use the summit platform to address how GBVF undermines national development. This also includes workplace productivity and the empowerment of women and youth. The address will serve as a call to action for all sectors. This includes the private sector, to recognize their role in combating GBVF.
Business and Social Justice: A Shared Responsibility
The summit is an ideal setting to raise awareness and mobilize commitment. With over 2 million members represented by the BBC, including professionals, business associations, chambers, and corporations.
“Business must be a driver of change, not only through policy but through practice.” Deputy Minister Letsike. “We need inclusive boardrooms, safer workplaces, and community-led initiatives that protect our women and children.”
The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities believes that business entities must lead in gender transformation and workplace safety while supporting national efforts to eliminate GBVF.
Legislative Focus and Inclusive Growth
A major focus of the summit is policy and legislation aimed at reshaping South Africa’s economic and social landscape. Letsike will highlight the urgent need to strengthen protective laws, increase survivor support funding, and improve prosecution rates for GBV-related crimes.
The summit also ties into broader national priorities, including South Africa’s G20 Presidency, evolving international relations, and the implementation of inclusive economic frameworks under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Media Engagement Encouraged
Members of the media are invited to cover this crucial engagement:
- Date: Thursday, 5 June 2025
- Time: 18:00
- Venue: Radisson OR Tambo Hotel and Convention Centre, Kempton Park, Gauteng
The Department has emphasized the importance of media in amplifying the conversation around GBVF and holding both public and private sectors accountable.
A United Stand Against GBVF
As South Africa continues to work toward a safer and more inclusive society, the upcoming Black Business Summit presents an opportunity for unified action. The Department urges attendees to reflect on how GBVF affects not just homes and communities, but businesses, education, health, and the nation’s long-term growth.
Deputy Minister Letsike’s upcoming address is expected to ignite critical conversations and motivate stakeholders across sectors to take bold, measurable action against GBVF.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Cassius Selala – Head of Communications: 060 534 0672
OR
Nompendulo Mkhatshwa – Spokesperson: 083 406 6496
