South Africa's powerful stand against gender-based violence: A nationwide mobilisation

In an impressive display of solidarity and urgency ahead of the G20 Summit, thousands gathered across South Africa to draw attention to the pressing issue of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in honour of those who lost their lives as a result.

At noon, participants dressed in black lay down in silence for 15 minutes.

The action formed part of a nationwide campaign led by Women for Change (WFC), whose petition to declare GBVF a national disaster has attracted more than 1.1 million signatures globally. The organisation highlighted South Africa’s alarming statistics, including 5 578 women murdered in the past year, a 33% increase.

WFC urged South Africans, particularly women and individuals from the LGBTQI+ community, to withhold all spending and refrain from both paid and unpaid work. This was intended to highlight the significant social and economic consequences resulting from their absence.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday described the violence as a national emergency, and on Friday it was formally classified a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act. Activists say the move must now be backed by funding, rapid reforms to policing and prosecution, and expanded support services.

WFC urged women, LGBTQI+ people and allies to halt spending and abstain from both paid and unpaid labour for the day, emphasising the economic value of their contribution and the cost of continued violence.

Sabrina Walter, the founder of WFC, welcomed the decision, describing it as a historic and long-overdue acknowledgment of the daily crisis facing women and children.

At the Union Buildings, several hundred people dressed in black lay down for 15 minutes at noon, joining similar demonstrations held across Johannesburg. Many carried photographs of women and children killed in recent years, calling for accountability and greater state protection.

Hundreds attended the Durban leg of the event in South Beach.

Debbie Naidoo said it was time for all women to take a stand, whether they have personally been  victims or know someone who has.

Naidoo said this issue persisted for too long, and we need to start making a difference.

“The support here shows that we are making a difference, and I'm glad to see some of the men here because that’s where it starts as well. We need to get everybody united,” she said.

Madison Young highlighted the importance of women standing together to ensure all victims of gender-based violence, both men and women, are heard.

“For me in particular, this cause is very close to my heart. One of my good friends lost her cousin in June of this year; her name is Kahleko, and she was killed by her intimate partner, so I feel like I need to be here for her and for every other victim that we have lost due to GBV,” she said.

Prisha Naidoo, who is a Miss Petite Universe finalist, said she aims to give a voice to the voiceless.

“I want to put the message out there, and I want survivors to know that we are here to support them. We need to make a change, and this is the change,” she said.

Teboho Pietersen said it was important for everyone, especially men, to be a part of this movement and this change.

“It’s really great that people from all over South Africa are uniting and that people are speaking with one voice. I hope that more of this kind of thing will happen in the future,” said Pietersen.

Simphiwe Ngubeni said he was in support of this movement for the women and children because he sees a lot of GBV happening in the country, and it needs to stop.

“Say no to GBV. Stop gender-based violence," he urged.