December 18, 2023 – In its fourth consecutive year, the 2023 Violence Survey, a collaborative effort between RCS, BNP Paribas, and WPDI, brings forth a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of violence in the communities of Cape Town and its ramifications for businesses. This year’s findings, while signaling a positive trend of decreasing violence across key categories, shed light on the persistent impact on the well-being of communities and the mental health of employees.
Sandi Richardson, the HR Executive at RCS, underscores the pervasive impact of violence in South Africa, emphasizing its multifaceted effects on individuals who navigate roles as community members, family members, and employees. “According to our survey, 87% of corporate leaders observed a significant impact on presenteeism, where employees, though physically present, struggled to perform due to mental or physical distress. Additionally, 91% of corporations noted an increased impact on employees’ mental health and well-being compared to 2022. These findings underscore the interconnectedness of employees’ life experiences and their workplace performance.”
Richardson advocates for employers to prioritize initiatives that assist employees in creating safer and more fulfilling lives for themselves and their families, recognizing the profound influence of external factors on on-the-job effectiveness. The survey, a comprehensive exploration of the effects of violence on vulnerable communities and businesses in South Africa, scrutinized two distinct groups: individuals within violence-affected communities and South African corporates spanning sectors such as construction, retail, hospitality, and financial services.
Noteworthy insights from the survey illuminate the evolving strategies employed by employers to support their staff, as highlighted by Richardson. These include a 5% increase in providing safe transport (29%), an 18% surge in access to counseling or therapy services (29%), a 5% uptick in educational drives and programs (21%), and a 12% increase in offering emotional support (21%). Despite these positive measures, there exists a perceptual decline among South African employees regarding the supportive stance of their companies, revealing a disconnect between corporate efforts and the lived experiences of their workforce.
The survey not only calls for increased corporate support but also celebrates strides in specific demographics. Siphathisiwe Dhlamini, a Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding Expert at WPDI, points out that women reported an overall decrease in the impact of violence on their daily lives and livelihoods in 2023. Notable progress includes a 13% decrease in the impact on women’s income and jobs, a 10% decline in being late for work, school, or college, and a 16% reduction in the impact on their physical or mental ability to perform effectively at work compared to the previous year.
Moreover, the survey sheds light on the steps taken by women after experiencing gender-based violence (GBV). The percentage of women doing nothing due to shame after suffering from GBV has decreased from 40% in 2022 to 23% in 2023. Encouragingly, there is also a significant increase in reporting incidents to the police (4% from 2022), fighting back (15% from 2022), and reporting incidents to a community leader (8% from 2022). These numbers point to a landscape where women feel more empowered and supported to fight for their rights and ambitions.
For the first time, the survey delves into the impact of GBV on men in these communities. It reveals that 42% of men in 2023 experienced GBV, with data suggesting that males in larger households are more likely to be affected. Interestingly, the nature of GBV for men is more likely to involve threats for money rather than sexual assault. Additionally, men are 6% more likely to be threatened with a weapon and 2% more likely to be kidnapped or abducted compared to women.
Dhlamini expressed optimism about the increasing awareness and tangible results in combating gender-based violence, particularly in addressing root causes such as youth unemployment, poverty, and the need for peace in communities. RCS Group and BNP Paribas, as partners in this endeavor, are acknowledged for their role in highlighting the potential positive impact of corporations in creating a safer and fairer future. The survey, as a tool for understanding challenges, aims to inform action toward a society where well-being and safety are paramount.
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