Nearly 40 magistrates from across Eswatini convened at Bethel Court for a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018.
The capacity-building dialogue, which started Saturday, was held with support from World Vision Eswatini in partnership with the Judiciary.
It brought together key actors in the justice system to address gaps in the handling of gender-based violence cases and improve access to justice for survivors. 
In attendance were magistrates, judges, members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service, officials from the Social Welfare Department under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, representatives from the Director of Public Prosecutions Office, and other stakeholders involved in GBV prevention and response.
Opening the workshop, Registrar of the High Court Nosipho Mazibuko said gender-based violence must be treated as a justice issue.
“Gender-based violence is not merely a social problem. It is a justice issue,” Mazibuko told participants. She called on magistrates to use the forum to reflect on current practices and strengthen how the SODV Act is applied in courts.
Mazibuko noted that while the Act provides a strong legal framework for protecting survivors and vulnerable groups, its impact depends on consistent interpretation and timely delivery of justice.
World Vision Eswatini National Director Amos W. Zaindi said institutions must apply the law consistently to build public confidence.
He also highlighted the need to prioritise the protection of children, who are often indirect victims of violence in the home.
The SODV Act of 2018 expands the definition of sexual offences, introduces tougher penalties and provides for protection orders for survivors of domestic violence.
It also assigns specific roles to police, health workers and social welfare officers in responding to cases.
Facilitators used the workshop to address practical challenges in implementation, including court delays, the issuing and enforcement of protection orders and coordination between different government departments.
Leading yesterday’s session on Sunday were Senior Magistrate Puseletso McPherson from Lesotho, Justice Maxine Langwenya, Justice Faith Dlamini-Ng’andu and Nomzamo Dlamini, Director of the Gender and Family Issues Unit in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
Discussions covered the handling of evidence in sexual offence matters, procedures for child witnesses and ways to reduce trauma for survivors during court proceedings.
Participants also reviewed referral systems to ensure survivors receive medical, legal and psychosocial support without unnecessary repetition of their testimonies.
Officials from the Royal Eswatini Police Service presented on investigation procedures and identified the need for specialised training for officers who handle GBV cases.
Representatives from the Director of Public Prosecutions Office spoke on the importance of thorough case preparation to reduce case withdrawals and acquittals.
Participants agreed that a common understanding of the SODV Act across all sectors is critical for effective enforcement.
World Vision Eswatini said the workshop forms part of its broader work on violence prevention. The organisation continues to partner with communities, schools and faith leaders to address social norms that contribute to GBV.
Workshop organisers said the outcome will be a set of practical recommendations to guide magistrates’ courts nationwide in applying the SODV Act.
Mazibuko told participants that the way survivors are treated in court determines whether they seek justice. She urged judicial officers to ensure court processes are survivor-centred.
Zaindi said World Vision will continue to work with the Judiciary and government to support training, awareness and service delivery for survivors.
