'No more hashtags. No more vigils. We need action'

Women For Change (WFC) is demanding urgent action, accountability, and proper implementation of existing laws to end gender-based violence ahead of Friday’s nationwide shutdown.

The group is sending a stark warning to President Cyril Ramaphosa: ‘women are dying, and empty promises are no longer enough.’

WFC GBV activist and Victim Support Lead Michael Benevolent Masina said they don’t need more speeches from the President; they need urgency, accountability, and action.

 “In the past few weeks alone, we’ve seen cases that would break any nation, and still, we return to silence, excuses, and inaction," Masina said. 

“As a country, we have normalized GBVF. Women For Change reached a point where we could not stand by and watch another name trend for a day and disappear.

“This shutdown is us saying: enough. No more hashtags. No more vigils. We need action, accountability, and transparency from our leaders.”

WFC has built a grassroots network of coordinators across all provinces, where ordinary women are organising safe 15-minute lie-downs in public spaces, supported by clear safety guidelines and route information.

The group emphasised accessibility, stating: “No marches, no crowds. Just a silent, powerful moment in your nearest public space.”

They are calling on government to implement existing GBV laws, including functional police units, fast-tracked GBV courts, funding for shelters, and consequences for officers who mishandle cases.

Masina added: “We’ll know the government is serious when survivors stop being turned away and perpetrators face real consequences.”

The shutdown also gives survivors a moment to reclaim visibility.

Masina added: “It gives survivors a moment to reclaim visibility, even silently. We see you. We believe you. Your story matters.”

Thousands of South Africans have already shown support to the cause by changing their profile pictures to purple on social media. 

WFC is urging the public to wear black, refrain from work or spending, and sign a petition calling for GBV to be declared a national disaster.

Social development MEC Jaco Londt said: “The more residents who stand up and say they want to make a positive difference, the greater chance we have of achieving a safe, peaceful, and thriving society for all."

Cape Times