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

Primary Source: Daily Maverick

In an unprecedented move, the South African government has officially declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national disaster, a decision that follows a day of mass nationwide protests where thousands demanded urgent action against the country’s epidemic of violence against women.

A Crisis Long in the Making

The declaration, announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, comes against the backdrop of staggering statistics: every day in South Africa, at least 15 women are murdered and 117 women report being raped. These numbers, often cited by activists, represent what many describe as a war on women that has persisted for decades.

The timing of the protests was strategic, coinciding with the eve of the G20 meetings in Johannesburg. This placement on the global stage was deliberate, aiming to shame the government into action and bring international attention to what protesters call a national emergency.

From Presidential Recognition to National Disaster

The path to Friday’s declaration began with President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledging GBVF as a national crisis on Thursday evening. However, for many activists and victims’ families, this recognition offered little comfort without concrete action and resources.

The upgrade to a national disaster classification represents a significant escalation in the government’s response. This legal designation potentially unlocks emergency funding and allows for extraordinary measures to combat the crisis, similar to how the country might respond to natural disasters.

The Human Cost Behind the Statistics

Behind the alarming numbers are countless personal tragedies. The case of Gaby Ndaba, murdered two years ago and whose family still seeks answers from authorities, exemplifies the systemic failures that protesters aim to highlight. Her body was found near a bridge underpass in Boksburg in 2023, and police confirm the case remains under investigation.

This pattern of unresolved cases and institutional indifference has fueled public anger, transforming grief into a powerful political movement demanding accountability at all levels of government and law enforcement.

A Nationwide Movement Takes Shape

Friday’s protests saw thousands of South African women, joined by male allies, taking to the streets across multiple cities. The demonstrations were characterized by a powerful visual symbolism – at noon, participants observed a 15-minute standstill, representing the 15 women murdered daily in the country.

This coordinated action created a visible pause in daily life, forcing the nation to confront the relentless pace of femicide that continues despite previous government promises and action plans.

What National Disaster Status Actually Means

While the declaration marks a victory for activists, the practical implications remain to be seen. The designation as a national disaster typically enables:

• Expedited procurement processes for essential services
• Mobilization of additional funding streams
• Coordination across multiple government departments
• Potential international assistance and cooperation

However, activists remain cautious, noting that previous government initiatives have often failed to translate into meaningful change at the community level where protection is most needed.

The Road Ahead: From Declaration to Action

The protests and subsequent declaration represent a critical juncture in South Africa’s long struggle against gender-based violence. The movement has successfully forced the issue to the top of the national agenda, but the real test will be in implementation.

Key demands from activists include:

• Proper funding for victim support services
• Reforms to the criminal justice system to ensure quicker prosecutions
• Comprehensive prevention programs in schools and communities
• Economic empowerment initiatives for women

As the world watches how South Africa responds to this self-declared disaster, the women who marched on Friday have made it clear that they will be watching too, ready to return to the streets if promises once again fail to become reality.

This analysis is based on reporting from Daily Maverick and contextual research into South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis.