A POWERFUL moment of unity was seen in Doonside on November 21, with the Women for Change G20 National Shutdown, led by local businesswoman Mishka Bedderson. The demonstration formed part of nationwide action calling for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) to be declared a national disaster.

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At exactly 12:00, participants dressed in black gathered along streets and public spaces, lying down in silence for 15 minutes to honour the lives of abused women and girls. The Doonside event was one of several held across Amanzimtoti and throughout South Africa, reflecting a shared frustration with persistent violence and a collective demand for urgent government intervention.

Bedderson said the shutdown was designed to send a clear message that communities will no longer tolerate the continued rise in GBVF cases.

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