Calls to end gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, and child abuse echoed across the country on Friday as thousands of South Africans joined a national women’s shutdown in a powerful show of unity.
The campaign initiated by non-profit organisation Women for Change has rapidly grown into a nationwide movement, coinciding with the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. At lunchtime, participants across all provinces observed a 15-minute standstill in honour of the women who lose their lives to violence every day.
Many who took part said they were not only showing solidarity, but also speaking out as survivors. At Durban’s South Beach protest, rape survivor Fran Letang said stronger measures are needed to ensure justice.
“Many years ago, when I was raped, nothing happened. My case wasn’t acknowledged. I was told to drive myself to the hospital,” she said. “It is amazing to see how women have now united to support one another.”
In a significant development, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa announced on Friday that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) have been officially declared a national disaster.
“This decisive action follows a thorough reassessment of previous reports and updated submissions from organs of state and civil organisations,” Hlabisa said. The National Disaster Management Centre found that GBVF meets the threshold of a potential disaster under the Disaster Management Act.
In Pretoria, more than 1,000 people gathered at the Union Buildings, unified in their demand for urgent action. Among them were men who emphasised the crucial role of male accountability.
“The women birthed us and built our societies,” said protester Kamohelo Metsing. “If we harm the people who give us life, what future do we have?”
Another participant, Kegan Raea, questioned the motives behind violence against women. “Why violate women? Men who commit these acts should not be part of this society,” he said.
In the Free State, scores of women from various organisations rallied at Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein. The protest led by women’s rights group Buang Basadi also called for GBV to be declared a State of Disaster. The group was joined by Numsa and the ANC Women’s League.
Participants held a 15-minute silent lie-down in remembrance of victims of GBV, reinforcing a collective message heard nationwide: enough is enough.
Friday’s shutdown has drawn widespread support, using the G20 spotlight to shine attention on one of South Africa’s most urgent and devastating crises.