The commemoration, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, will this year be celebrated under the theme “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!”

The annual global campaign aims to raise awareness against any form of abuse against women and children. It comes at the time when South Africa is still reeling from cases of femicide, following the much publicised death of a UCT student - Uyinene Mrwetyana. 

Mrwetyana was attacked, raped and murdered by 42-year-old Luyanda Botha, who was a Post Office employee in the Western Cape. 

Her death has sparked anger and raised more concerns regarding the lack of safety and security for women and children in the country, with many calling on Ramaphosa to declare the victimisation and killing of women as a national crisis. 

Although, Uyinene’s murderer has recently been sentenced to three life terms in prison, many social media users are still taking to Twitter and Facebook to raise their concerns over the increasing cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and calling for more to be done secure the safety of women in the country. 

The Free State provincial launch is also expected to take place next week in Bloemfontein.

OFM News