PHALABORWA – Women and men dressed in all black gathered at the Namakgale entrance on Friday, November 21, to join the nationwide G20 Women’s Shutdown movement, an initiative calling for urgent action against the escalating rates of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.

The march drew supporters from across the community, including activists and ordinary residents who united to shine a spotlight on the 15 women murdered every day in the country.

The marchers proceeded from the Namakgale entrance to the Namakgale Police Station, where a memorandum was formally handed over to the station commander, Colonel Sesinyana Bila.

Calls for justice reform and stronger protection

In the memorandum, the organisations made clear and firm demands. Among them was the call for GBVF to be declared a national disaster, citing the ongoing crisis of femicide, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.

The memorandum also condemned the exploitation of women and children, failures within the justice system, lack of institutional protection, discrimination, and the rise of cyberbullying targeting women.

“We report crimes but see little justice,” the memorandum stated. It further demanded that corruption within policing and prosecution be addressed, with a clear appeal to law enforcement and the National Prosecuting Authority to prioritise victims instead of shielding perpetrators.

The signatories stressed the critical need to ensure the safety and protection of children in all environments, including homes, schools, churches, local shops, and any other spaces where they may be vulnerable to abuse.

The memorandum concluded with a firm declaration that the community “can no longer live in fear,” calling on the Namakgale SAPS and the broader justice system to act with urgency, integrity, and transparency by presenting a clear and comprehensive plan of action.

Colonel Sesinyana Bila Namakgale Police Station received and signed the memorandum, assuring the organisers that the police would respond to the demands in writing.

Protesters honour 15 women killed daily

From the police station, the walk continued to Freedom Park. At exactly noon, the protesters lay down in silence for 15 minutes, symbolically honouring the 15 women whose lives are taken daily due to GBV.

Community members expressed both grief and determination. One resident, Nandi Mongwe, said the march represented a desperate plea for change.

“Every day we hear of another woman who has been killed. We cannot stand by and do nothing while our sisters, daughters, and mothers are dying. We hope that the police and justice system will take the demands seriously and act swiftly,” she said.