In a landmark decision, the South African government has officially classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster. The announcement came on the eve of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, following sustained pressure from civil society.
The move was precipitated by widespread protests organized by women’s groups across the nation. Demonstrators in multiple cities staged a symbolic 15-minute silent lie-down, representing the estimated 15 lives lost to such violence every day in the country. Participants dressed in black to signify both mourning and defiance.
South Africa contends with one of the highest rates of femicide globally, a crisis that activists argue undermines any national claims of progress. The recent protests, part of a broader “Women’s Shutdown” campaign, called for a day of economic withdrawal to highlight the indispensable social and economic role of women and LGBTQ+ communities.
A petition demanding the disaster declaration amassed over a million signatures, and a social media campaign saw prominent figures adopt purple profile pictures in solidarity. This public pressure culminated in the National Disaster Management Centre reversing its prior legal assessment, now recognizing the “persistent and immediate life-safety risks” posed by the epidemic.
The classification unlocks additional state resources and mandates a coordinated governmental response. While welcoming the step, organizing groups have signaled that their work is not complete, announcing plans to convene next week to develop a concrete action plan and timeline for implementation.