South Africa has formally declared its escalating violence against women a national disaster, as massive protests erupted across the country on Friday. The announcement came just days before the G20 summit, placing global attention on a crisis that activists say has been ignored for too long.
The government confirmed that South Africa faces one of the world’s highest levels of gender-based violence and femicide. UN Women estimates that femicide rates in the country are nearly five times higher than the global average, highlighting the scale of the emergency.
In Johannesburg, thousands of protesters dressed in black held a powerful “lie-in” demonstration near the city centre. Participants lay on the ground for fifteen minutes, honouring the fifteen women reportedly killed every day in South Africa. The protest took place only a few kilometres from the venue set to host G20 leaders this weekend.
A 2022 national survey revealed the severity of the issue. It found that one in three women in South Africa had faced physical violence, while almost 10 percent experienced sexual violence. Police recorded more than 10,700 rape cases in the first three months of 2025, though experts warn the real number may be far higher due to underreporting.
Protester Lefika Jonathan, 23, said she joined the march to stand up for herself, her sisters, and every woman in South Africa. Many demonstrators demanded swift reforms and stronger protections.
The government’s disaster management agency stated that the ongoing threat to women’s lives meets the criteria for a national disaster. Officials said the classification would prioritize the issue across all government departments.
Nineteen-year-old student Nomhle Porogo welcomed the global spotlight but criticized the timing. She argued the government acted only because international delegates were set to visit. “For them to declare it a national disaster when it suits them and in front of visitors is an injustice,” she said.
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Although declaring gender-based violence a disaster marks a historic step, activists stress that South Africa needs more than symbolic moves. They are urging for long-term solutions, accountability, and continuous pressure to address the crisis affecting women nationwide.
