South Africa
‘Nation in mourning’ at 16 days of Activism launch─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:08 Tue, 25 Nov 2025
“We gather this morning, not as spectators to a crisis but as a nation in mourning, in anger, and in determination.”
These were the words of deputy minister in the presidency for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, Mmapaseka Letsike, during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. She added that the campaign begins “with the same prayer on our lips: that fewer women and children, and vulnerable groups will have been buried”.
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga officially launched this year’s campaign in Midrand on Tuesday (25/11), where Letsike said data now forces South Africans to confront a painful truth: the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide is not receding, but mutating, deepening, and becoming more brutal.
This year’s theme is Letsema, a Tswana word meaning people coming together to achieve a common purpose. It calls on men, women, boys, and girls to unite in collective action to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Running until Wednesday, 10 December, the 2025 campaign incorporates the resolutions of the G20 high-level dialogue by promoting positive masculinity, challenging harmful gender norms, encouraging gender equality, and highlighting the role of men and boys in preventing GBVF.
The government declared GBVF a national disaster on Friday after widespread protests. Thousands marched in silence across the country to condemn the ongoing violence.
Cogta explains what the declaration means. Photo supplied
The focus now shifts to accelerating interventions across all sectors. Government departments, municipalities, NGOs, and communities are expected to strengthen their implementation of existing plans and support systems.
“The national executive is now responsible for co-ordinating and managing efforts to combat it,” said Cogta ministerial spokesperson Pearl Maseko-Binqose. “This classification strengthens existing response structures, urges risk-reduction measures, and calls for multi-sectoral prevention and support.
“The classification will remain in place until GBVF no longer meets the definition of a disaster. Minister Hlabisa stressed that this step consolidates efforts across society, reaffirming that GBVF is a national emergency requiring united action not only from women, but from every sector of the country.”
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