The Crisis

Every day in South Africa, women and children face levels of violence that demand urgent action from all individuals and social institutions.

Femicide, rape, and abuse have become a daily reality—etched into the lives of families who lose mothers, daughters, and sisters at a devastating rate. Behind closed doors, in homes, communities, and relationships, countless women endure violence from the very people they know and trust.

For years, reports, testimonies, and data have made one thing clear: Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is not a series of isolated incidents—it is a national emergency.

In 2020, Parliament adopted the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, meant to strengthen prevention, accountability, and coordination. Yet four years later, the country continues to record some of its highest femicide and rape numbers. Implementation has been slow, underfunded, and inconsistent.

Recent crime statistics (April 2023 – March 2024):

• 5,578 women and 1,656 children were murdered
• Femicide increased by 33.8% in a single year
• 42,569 rape cases were reported
• It is estimated that 95% of rape cases remain unreported

These numbers are not statistics—they are a national tragedy.

And yet, the response has been silence, delay, and a lack of political urgency.

How much more suffering must be endured before this crisis is treated with the seriousness it demands?

Declare GBVF a National Disaster

We call on the South African government to immediately declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide a National Disaster.

This crisis requires a level of mobilisation, funding, and political will comparable to other national emergencies. Nothing less will save lives.

Declaring GBVF a National Disaster would trigger immediate and coordinated action across all government departments, provinces, and key institutions.

What We Demand

1. Stronger Judicial and Legislative Action

Deny bail to perpetrators in cases of rape, child abuse, domestic violence, attempted murder, and murder when evidence shows risk to survivors and communities.

Life sentences without parole for those convicted of femicide, gang rape, or violent child abuse, including mandatory psychological assessments and rehabilitation programs.

Immediate disciplinary action for any public official—police, court staff, social workers—who mishandles GBVF cases.

Zero tolerance for misconduct, ensuring swift responses to negligence or corruption in GBVF-related processes.

2. Immediate Funding for the National Strategic Plan (NSP GBVF)

South Africa cannot address GBVF without real financial commitment.

The National Treasury must allocate urgent and sustained funding for the 2025–2030 plan.

The National Council on GBVF Act, signed into law in 2024, must be fully implemented without further delay to coordinate national response efforts effectively.

3. Public Access to the National Sex Offenders Register

Communities deserve transparency.

The National Register for Sex Offenders must become public, ensuring that individuals convicted of GBVF-related offences can be identified by schools, employers, caregivers, and communities committed to protecting women and children.

4. Education and Awareness for Prevention

Introduce comprehensive GBV education in school curricula, covering consent, boundaries, gender equality, and healthy relationships.

Implement year-round public awareness campaigns across schools, workplaces, media platforms, and communities to dismantle harmful norms and promote accountability.

Why This Matters

GBVF is the most severe manifestation of gender inequality.

It is a violation of human rights, a threat to public health, and a crisis that affects every community—regardless of economic status, religion, age, identity, or background.

Ending GBVF requires commitment at every level of society.

It requires a government willing to speak, act, fund, and deliver.

South Africa deserves a future where women and children are safe, protected, and free

Now is the time to raise our voices and demand urgent action.

Sign this petition and call on the government to declare GBVF a National Disaster—now.