South Africa has officially declared gender-based violence a national disaster following widespread protests where women lay down in silent demonstration, marking a critical governmental response to the country’s severe crisis. This decision, announced on November 21, 2025, came after the National Disaster Management Centre reassessed the situation, reversing its earlier refusal and acknowledging the urgent risks posed by ongoing violence.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, thousands of women across South Africa participated in the ‘G20 Women’s Shutdown,’ lying down for 15 minutes at noon local time in 15 locations, including major cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. This symbolic act honored the 15 women murdered daily in the country and demanded immediate action, with allies in Eswatini, Kenya, and Namibia joining in solidarity. Demonstrators wore black as a sign of mourning and resistance, organized by the group Women for Change, which has been at the forefront of mobilizing public support through online campaigns.
The classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster was confirmed by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, who stated it followed a thorough reassessment of reports and submissions from state and civil organizations. This move represents a significant shift from the government’s previous position that such categorization did not meet legal requirements, now recognizing the ‘persistent and immediate life-safety risks’ highlighted by activists and data. The announcement was made shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue at the G20 Social Summit, referencing South Africa’s 2019 declaration of GBV as a national crisis.
South Africa faces one of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence, with women being killed at a rate five times the global average, according to UN Women. This alarming statistic has fueled decades of activism and public outcry, underscoring the need for more effective interventions beyond previous governmental commitments. The country’s high levels of GBV are rooted in complex social and economic factors, including entrenched gender inequalities and systemic failures in law enforcement and justice.
The protests were amplified by a robust online campaign, including the ‘purple movement,’ where celebrities and ordinary citizens changed their social media profile pictures to purple, a color associated with GBV awareness. An online petition gathered over one million signatures, demonstrating widespread public demand for change and increasing pressure on authorities. This digital activism, coupled with the physical protests, created a powerful narrative that compelled the government to act, highlighting the role of collective action in driving policy shifts.
As a national disaster, the classification allows government departments to utilize allocated budgets to implement every possible measure to combat gender-based violence. If these efforts prove insufficient, the government could escalate to a national state of disaster, enabling more urgent and far-reaching actions. Activists have welcomed this step but emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in implementation, citing past instances where legislation was not effectively enforced.
Beyond official responses, many women have taken personal steps to enhance their safety, such as joining self-defense groups like Girls on Fire, which offers firearm training as a last resort. Personal stories, like that of Prudence whose rape case was withdrawn due to lost evidence, illustrate the systemic challenges in seeking justice and the deep-seated nature of the problem. These grassroots efforts reflect a loss of faith in institutional protections and a determination to reclaim agency in the face of violence.
This declaration marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence, signaling a renewed commitment to address the scourge with the urgency it demands. However, achieving meaningful change will require sustained efforts, including community engagement, improved law enforcement, and cultural shifts to ensure women’s safety and dignity are prioritized in the long term.
