South Africa has officially launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, as organisations and activists continue to highlight the country’s persistent gender-based violence (GBV) crisis.
The campaign follows nationwide demonstrations led by Women For Change, where thousands called for urgent interventions to protect women and children from abuse.
In Johannesburg, Council Chief Whip Cllr Khazimula Chauke said the city is united under this year’s theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”
“The scourge of gender-based violence in our country is devastating, and its ramifications are lingering,” said Chauke.
“As the City of Joburg Council, we remain mindful of the impact GBVF has on the social fabric of our society. I call upon all our councillors to join in the fight to end GBVF and continue engaging with men in their respective communities.”
He also added that councillors must support survivors and report perpetrators, stressing that GBV remains “a pandemic that is bedevilling our nation”.
Meanwhile, the DA used a parliamentary debate on the campaign to criticise the government’s failure to protect women and children. DA MPs argued that corruption, weak policing and poor resourcing leave victims vulnerable at every stage of the justice system.
The party's MP Lisa Schickerling said she stands “in mourning, in protest, and in solidarity” with families of victims, citing cases where urgent police action was lacking.
“When Gaby Ndaba went missing, her family did everything right. No officers rushed to assist,” she said.
Angel Khanyile also added her voice and warned that GBV has “reached epidemic levels”, noting research linking substance abuse and intimate partner violence to deeper inequalities.
The Inkatha Freedom Party Women’s Brigade (IFPWB) also called for stronger accountability and action beyond awareness campaigns.
“We urge society to reject cultural practices used to suppress women and children, including forced or arranged marriages,” the IFPWB said. “The fight against GBVF will only be won through collective action.”
As the 16 Days of Activism continues, civil society leaders are urging governments and communities to turn commitments into sustained action to stop violence against women and children.
Saturday Star