Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head Advocate Andy Mothibi said on Friday that corruption and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) are inter-connected, as he announced the launch of the unit’s GBVF first responder programme.

Speaking during the National Dialogue on GBVF, in Pretoria, he stated that GBVF was not only a crime but a betrayal of the promise of the country’s democracy.

“…the promise that every person, regardless of gender, or circumstance, deserves to live free from fear and free in dignity,” he added.

Mothibi said through the SIU Anti-Corruption and Cyber Academy, the programme marks a “decisive shift” from reaction to readiness.

It will train and accredit GBVF first responders across communities, workplaces and institutions to act within the first 24 hours of a crisis.

“When a survivor calls for help, when a child trembles, when silence hangs heavy, South Africa must be ready to respond with competence, compassion, and care,” he said.

Mothibi called for the capacitation and strengthening of teachers, nurses, HR officers, social workers, NGOs’, traditional leaders, police officers and prosecutors, all of whom meet with survivors in their most vulnerable states.

He stated that the work of the SIU was anchored in “justice, accountability, and integrity”.

“Yet our mission extends beyond investigation, it is about ethical leadership and the protection of the vulnerable,” he said.

He expressed concern that corruption poached resources meant for survivor care, shelters and justice support, adding that it undermined service delivery and created violent and exploitative environments.

“When corruption takes root, it is women, children, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who suffer the most, often unseen, unheard, and unprotected,” he stated.