SA GBVF groups urge government to declare state of disaster

The activists say the situation has reached crisis levels and requires a coordinated, multisectoral approach from all corners of society.

This urgent call follows the recent murders of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale and 14-year-old Likhona Fose, which have sparked widespread outrage and renewed demands for action.

GBVF Activist Lebo Ramafoko says SA has effectively lost the fight against crime, and that a drastic response is needed.

"I think not only a national disaster, but we need a state of emergency. The same way we responded to COVID, because people were dying. We know what needs to be done. It's a multifaceted approach. We need a state of emergency. You know, you need to declare this as a state of emergency. We knew how to do it during the World Cup. There were courts opened in the middle of the road. We treated the World Cup, because there were international guests coming in, better than we are treating our women, who are looking after society, who are citizens."

Advocates say that if the country could mobilise during global events or health emergencies, the same urgency should apply to the ongoing GBVF crisis.

--ChannelAfrica--