South Africa Declares Gender-Based Violence a National Disaster Amid Widespread Protests

Primary Source: Daily Maverick

JOHANNESBURG – In a powerful display of public outrage, thousands of South Africans took to the streets on Friday in a national shutdown, demanding urgent government action against a relentless epidemic of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The protests culminated in the government officially declaring the crisis a national disaster.

The timing of the demonstrations was strategic, coinciding with the eve of the G20 meetings in Johannesburg, thereby forcing an international spotlight onto the nation’s alarming statistics: every day, at least 15 women are murdered and 117 report being raped.

A Long-Overdue Declaration

The protest action came just a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national crisis, a move that was swiftly followed by the more significant classification of a national disaster on Friday. This legal designation theoretically unlocks greater state resources and powers to address the emergency.

However, for many activists and affected families, the declaration rings hollow without immediate, tangible action. The protest served as a stark reminder that political proclamations have, in the past, failed to stem the tide of violence.

The Human Cost Behind the Statistics

Beyond the staggering numbers lies a deep-seated trauma gripping communities. The story of Gaby Ndaba, murdered two years ago, exemplifies the systemic failures protesters are rallying against. Her family’s ongoing struggle for answers and closure from authorities highlights a critical breakdown in the justice system, where cases often languish without resolution.

This personal tragedy underscores a central demand of the movement: that declarations must be backed by functional support systems for victims’ families and a law enforcement apparatus capable of delivering justice.

A Nationwide Standstill

At noon on Friday, the country observed a symbolic 15-minute standstill, a poignant tribute to the 15 women killed on average each day. From major urban centers to smaller towns, women and men alike paused, their silence speaking volumes about the collective grief and fury.

The protests, covered extensively by partners like Our City News across Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, were not isolated events but part of a coordinated national movement, reflecting a society at a breaking point.

Analysis: From Declaration to Tangible Change

While the national disaster declaration is a significant political step, it is now the starting line, not the finish. The critical question remains: what happens next? The government will be under immense pressure to outline a clear, funded, and measurable implementation plan.

Key areas demanding attention include overhauling the South African Police Service’s approach to GBVF cases, ensuring survivor-centered support services, and addressing the deep-rooted socio-economic and patriarchal norms that fuel the violence. The protesters have made it clear that they will be watching closely, and their mobilization is unlikely to cease until concrete results are seen.

The national shutdown of November 21, 2025, has therefore achieved its immediate goal of forcing the issue to the top of the national agenda. But the true measure of its success will be written in the weeks and months to come, in the form of saved lives and a tangible reduction in the fear that shadows women across South Africa.