GBVF officially declared a national disaster in SA

As the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) persists, South African social media has been flooded with purple profile profile as a symbol of solidarity against the crisis.

Recent quarter crime statistics paint a grim picture, recording more than 9 200 rape cases – averaging 103 women raped every day – as well as over 550 attempted sexual offences.

In response, women’s rights organisation Women For Change has renewed its call for gender-based violence to be declared a national disaster. The group led a nationwide shutdown on 21 November, a day before the G20 Summit, demanding urgent government accountability and stronger protections for survivors.