An awareness campaign on gender-based violence (GBV) took place in Durban, focusing on raising public attention and establishing cooperation between private security companies and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to distribute safety and awareness materials.
Men and women from South Africa, dressed in black, took to the streets on Friday, waving placards, whistling, and remaining silent to highlight the issues of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as well as to express solidarity with families who have lost loved ones in Gauteng.
The country has been confronted with news that nine dead women were found in Ekurhuleni since July, and the police are investigating whether these murders are connected. The acting Minister of Police, Firoz Kachalia, stated that the police will close Compton Park and surrounding areas, adding that it is too early to confirm a pattern of these murders.
Participants in yesterday's campaign responded to the social media post "South Africa Wear Black" in solidarity with the women whose lives were taken, their families, and all those affected by violence against women. The local NGO South African Fight Back declared its solidarity with women and girls whose lives were cut short by GBV-related crimes.
This NGO noted: "Black is a symbol of mourning. A reminder of lost lives. A reminder of families left behind. And a reminder that we cannot become numb to another headline, another victim, another family forced to grieve."
Communities Dress in Black
In Durban, activists gathered near the N2 highway in Parlok to be heard. Rachel Pillay from Jugs Meals on Wheels and a community activist called GBV the most serious problem facing communities. She emphasized that victims of GBV include both men and women. Pillay called on every community to unite and protect each other.
Pillay stated: "No one has the right to take another person's life. We must stand up and say 'no' to all killings. We must teach our children to live better lives in harmony among all races, religions, and genders. Our children are the future of tomorrow. My parents taught us to be kind, support everyone, and never judge."
Calls for Strengthening the Justice System
Lawrence Palmer, chairman of the Newlands East Residents and Taxpayers Association, blamed the weak judicial system for the deaths of women and children. He noted that criminals know the system does not work. According to him, courts are overloaded daily, and GBV cases take years to reach trial.
Palmer stated: "Criminals are having a party. The justice system consists of three parts that do not work together: SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the courts. The police are understaffed, poorly trained, and have a backlog of cases awaiting investigation. The country is suffering from brain drain, and experienced prosecutors have left, leading to case accumulation."
The awareness campaign on gender-based violence (GBV) took place in Durban, emphasizing community visibility and partnership between private security companies and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for distributing safety resources and promoting awareness.
Tanya Kershaw, representing the Newlands Rapid Response Team, expressed disappointment over the lack of profile of the person responsible for the murders in Compton Park. She said: "After the death of four women, the country realized what had happened. We thank God for the little girl who stood out from the crowd and made her voice heard. It's not just about running women; what about those who go to work so early, like at 4 am? How safe are you in your community?"
Julia Wood from Lakehaven Secondary School in Durban noted that youth should learn that strength lies in respect, compassion, and upholding the truth, not in violence.
Runners from KwaZulu-Natal also took to the streets on Wednesday in memory of the murdered runner Elizabeth "Tsonzo" Moselakgomo and other runners. The 5-kilometer run started at 5 am from Florida Road, participants were dressed in black in solidarity with Moselakgomo and GBVF victims.
A 38-year-old woman went missing last week after a run. Her family positively identified her body at Hermiston morgues on Monday. They described her as a very dear friend and running mate, whose sudden death left her beloved child and other relatives in deep mourning.
GBVF Council Begins Work Amid Gloomy Backdrop
The recently established National Council on GBVF in South Africa held its first meeting on August 31. The council's priorities are developing a shareholder agreement, creating a cost structure for the country's response to gender-based violence, and strengthening oversight of the national strategy.
The Minister in the President for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisive Chikunga, stated that the council begins its work against a difficult backdrop, referencing the first South African National Survey on the Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, published in November 2024.
The study showed that approximately 7.3 million women aged 18 and older had experienced physical violence in their lifetime, while over 2.15 million experienced sexual violence. It was also found that about 3.2 million women were subjected to physical violence by a partner, and approximately 2.5 million men reported experiencing physical violence from a partner.
According to the police, in the 2025/26 financial year, SAPS registered 50,511 cases of GBVF, of which 30,736 led to arrests and/or referral to the National Prosecuting Authority.
Police Statistics
SAPS metrics classify GBVF cases under offenses such as murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, attempted rape, and sexual contact. Rape accounted for 36,217 out of 50,511 registered cases.
Chikunga noted that the council's duties include monitoring the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, advising the government on policy and legislative reforms, promoting accountability, commissioning research, tracking progress toward national goals, and mobilizing resources. Its mandate also includes strengthening prevention programs and supporting survivor-focused interventions.
Shelters and Aid Centers
This week, the sixth National Shelter Indaba was held in Gauteng. The summit emphasized the importance of strengthening national and global efforts to prevent GBV and femicide. The Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, praised shelter managers, social workers, counselors, and support staff.
She stated: "One of three women aged 16 and older experiences physical violence. Three women are killed by partners every day. Only between July and September 2025 did more than 2000 survivors seek help at Tutuzela Help Centers. Approximately 65% of all registered GBV survivors in some provinces are children."