16 Days of Activism: Confronting South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence Crisis

25 Nov 2024

The annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) has kicked off, shining a spotlight on one of South Africa’s most pressing crises. This international campaign, running from the 25th of November until December 10, 2024, seeks to raise awareness about the prevalent impact of GBVF and inspire action to combat it.

As part of the campaign, protests and demonstrations are planned across the country. A major event is scheduled for November 29, with a march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to address systemic failures in handling GBVF cases. Similar marches and gatherings are expected in cities such as Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, organised by political parties, unions, civic organisations, and non-profits, emphasising collective demands for justice and accountability.

The urgency of this campaign is highlighted by disturbing statistics released by the Commission for Gender Equality this year. South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide globally, with 24.6 murders per 100,000 women, six times the global average. Between April 2022 and March 2023, over 53,000 sexual offences were reported, including 42,780 cases of rape. Yet, only 3% of survivors report incidents to the police, and many cases falter in a justice system plagued by inefficiencies.

These figures represent real lives and tragedies. High-profile cases such as the 2017 murder of Karabo Mokoena by her boyfriend Sandile Mantsoe and the 2019 rape and murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a University of Cape Town student, have sparked national outrage. Reeva Steenkamp's 2013 murder at the hands of her partner, Oscar Pistorius, further highlights the prevalence of GBV across all socioeconomic levels.

Another deeply disturbing case is the 2016 murder of Susan Rohde at the Spier wine farm in Stellenbosch. Her husband, Jason Rohde, was found guilty of her murder, which was staged to appear as a suicide. This case not only shocked the nation but also highlighted the prevalence intimate partner violence, even in affluent and seemingly secure environments. 

Such stories, alongside the sobering statistics, paint a picture of the devastating impact of GBVF and the need for both systemic reform and individual action. To contribute to this cause, consider the following steps:

•Speak up: Reporting incidents or suspicions of GBV can help break the cycle of silence that allows abuse to persist.

•Support victims: Offer nonjudgmental support, help victims access resources like shelters and legal aid, and connect them with counseling services.

•Educate Yourselves:  Take the initiative to learn how to recogniSe the signs of abuse and understand the resources available to support victims. Empowering yourself with knowledge is a crucial step in creating awareness and providing meaningful assistance to those in need.

•Know your rights: Understanding legal protections and services available to survivors can empower individuals and families to seek help.

As the campaign progresses, it serves as a reminder that GBVF is not just a statistic but a human crisis requiring immediate and sustained action. Through collective advocacy and individual efforts, South Africa can strive for a society where women and children live free from fear and violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or needs support, please reach out to the following services for assistance:

South African Police Service: 10111

National GBV 24-hour Helpline: 0800 150 150

National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322

Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555

Legal Aid: 0800 110 110 or Please Call Me: 079 835 7179

Source: Commission for Gender Equality