Dressed in black and purple, Roodepoort residents came together on Heritage Day, September 24, to honour women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence (GBV) and make a collective call for an end to violence against women.

Residents gathered at the corner of Exner and Edward streets, raising black and purple flags and carrying banners bearing messages, with one reading: ‘The killing and abuse of women cannot be allowed to become normalised’.

The gathering was held in collaboration with the Roodepoort Community Police Forum (CPF), Georginia Neighbourhood Watch, and ICE Roodepoort.

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The peaceful gathering came amid growing concern over violence against women, following the discovery of the body of an 11th woman in Ekurhuleni.

The community said the gathering was not only about remembering women who had lost their lives, but also about standing together against the violence that continues to affect women in their homes, workplaces, schools, public spaces and communities.

Community member Chad Davies said another event was also held in Georginia to support the women who have sadly lost their lives due to the scourge of GBV.

“This is also to support women and children in general, that we do care and we want to support and protect,” he said.

“This is happening daily, and we need law enforcement to come to the party and respond in time when it comes to such a crisis.”

The residents received an overwhelming show of support from passing motorists, many of whom hooted their horns in solidarity as the peaceful gathering took place.