In a powerful show of solidarity, organisations, activists, and citizens across South Africa participated in a nationwide shutdown on Friday to protest against escalating gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. The action, led by the non-profit organisation Women for Change, called on women and members of the LGBTQI+ community to withhold their labour and economic participation for the day, symbolising collective resistance and economic power.
The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, along with the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, announced closure for the day, aligning with the movement. Foundation CEO Janet Jobson described GBV as a “national disaster” that has eroded the dignity, safety and lives of women across the country. She noted that the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu had been a staunch advocate for women’s rights.
“For too many decades, gender-based violence has been a scourge of our country… We must take a strong stand against it,” Jobson said.
Protest Action Across the Country
Bloemfontein – Hoffman Square
Women’s rights organisation Buang Basadi, joined by NUMSA and the ANC Women’s League, led a mass gathering calling for GBV to be declared a State of Disaster. Protesters held a 15-minute silent lie-down in remembrance of women who lost their lives due to GBV.
Pretoria – Union Buildings
More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered in front of the Union Buildings, uniting under the message “Enough is enough”. Participants, including men and young people, emphasised the need for stronger protections for women.
Johannesburg – Central Business District
Led by 16-year-old activist Tshenolo Williams, protesters marched through the city as part of the #G20WomensShutdown, strategically timed ahead of the G20 Summit scheduled for 22–23 November at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Tensions escalated when officials from the Johannesburg Central Magistrate Court refused to accept a memorandum from the demonstrators, citing an absence of an authorised march permit.
Activists, many dressed in black, described the refusal as deliberate obstruction. Key city intersections, including Eloff Street, Jan Smuts Avenue and Beyers Naudé, were brought to a standstill as protesters lay silently for exactly 15 minutes, representing the 15 South African women who fall victim to gender-based violence every hour.
Call for Urgent Action
Organisers of the shutdown are calling on government leaders and global representatives at the G20 Summit to prioritise the eradication of GBV. They argue that the country’s GBV statistics are difficult to track due to high levels of underreporting, and demand immediate intervention.