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4w ago

South Africa Classifies Gender-Based Violence as a National Disaster After Nationwide Shutdown

The designation places GBVF coordination with the national executive under existing law without activating emergency powers.

Participants hold hands as they lie on the ground during a gender-based violence protest at the forecourt of the botanical gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (Misper Apawu)
Participants lie on the ground during a gender-based violence protest at the forecourt of the botanical gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (Misper Apawu)
Participants hold signs while lying on the ground during a gender-based violence protest at the forecourt of the botanical gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (Misper Apawu)
Participants lie on the ground holding signs that read "Stop violence against women" during a gender-based violence protest at the forecourt of the botanical gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (Misper Apawu)

Overview

  • National Disaster Management Centre head Bongani Sithole invoked Section 23 to classify GBVF a national disaster, a move confirmed by Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national crisis at the G20 Social Summit and announced measures including a proposed R5‑billion fund, 200 sexual offences courts by 2028, specialised justice and police training, an emergency response council and a schools campaign from 2026.
  • Women for Change led a nationwide shutdown with a spending blackout and 15‑minute silent lie‑downs, bolstered by a petition surpassing 1.1 million signatures.
  • The classification does not declare a national state of disaster and instead requires organs of state to implement multisectoral plans, strengthen existing GBVF structures and submit progress reports to the NDMC.
  • Activists welcomed the step but demanded urgent, accountable implementation with resources for shelters and courts, as government and civil society schedule follow‑up meetings next week to detail timelines and roles.