KEMPTON PARK, Gauteng — In a powerful display of solidarity, LoveLife groundBREAKERS and youth activists led a nationwide silent demonstration against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), demanding urgent and collective action from the government and civil society.
The youth-led non-governmental organization, Love Life, mobilized young men and women across all nine provinces for the coordinated protests. While gatherings took place nationwide, activists in Kempton Park held a focal “lamentation silent demonstration” to honor the victims of the crisis and show solidarity with families who have lost their loved ones to GBVF.
“We had women who were loved, and their families are shattered, so we have to say their names,” the Love Life organizers stated, emphasizing that the protest was both a mourning of lost lives and a loud condemnation of the ongoing violence. The organizers described the event as a comprehensive call to action, urging the government and civil society to pool all available resources to “fight and battle this monster.”
For many participants, the crisis has severely impacted their daily lives and sense of security. Event participants shared their lived experiences, noting that women no longer feel free when walking on the streets. One participant, who resides near Kempton Park, highlighted the constant anxiety of having to look over her shoulder while commuting. To cope with the fear, many women are now forced to constantly share their live locations with family members just to ensure their safety.
Activists are pleading with fellow citizens to actively participate in ongoing campaigns, stressing that the fight against GBVF requires continuous effort rather than just reactionary responses to specific tragedies.
Furthermore, the Love Life Groundbreakers issued a direct call to men, urging them to stand up against the crisis. The organizers reminded the public of previous marches where men showed visible support, and called on them to once again stand united with the women of the country to demonstrate that the nation is one.
In response to the escalating crisis, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has established a specialized team to investigate the murders of women whose bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni since July 15. However, activists maintain that law enforcement and broader societal interventions must be significantly expanded to address the root causes of the violence.
Meanwhile, as the investigations continue, the police have issued an urgent appeal to the public. Anyone whose next of kin is missing is strongly encouraged to inquire at their local police stations or visit government mortuaries for assistance and information.
