The South African democratic state's responses to gender-based violence (GBV) have fluctuated between benevolence and hostility. Initially, the state was responsive and collaborated with feminist movements, but this shifted under Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Mbeki questioned police statistics on rape and domestic violence, alleging they served an anti-state agenda, and his AIDS denialism harmed feminist gains. The 2006 rape trial of Jacob Zuma exposed deep-rooted misogyny and societal norms that subjugate women, leading to a waning feminist consciousness within the government.
Despite progressive legislation to protect the rights of the LGBTIQA+ community—including the Civil Union Act of 2006 and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000—many Black lesbians continue to face dehumanization, violence, and death due to hate and discrimination. The implementation of these laws did not effectively translate into societal change.
In 2018, renewed activism emerged with national protests demanding urgent state action against GBV. Protesters presented 24 demands to the President, including the development of a National Action Plan. Subsequent years saw the adoption of this plan, new legislation, and committed resources. Activism has led to renewed state interest, with both younger and older activists and NGOs central to implementing policies and services to combat GBV.