Gauteng government to host GBVF awareness campaign in Kwa-Thema
Residents across Gauteng are also encouraged to light a candle at 7pm in memory of victims who have lost their lives to gender-based violence.
The Gauteng Provincial Government will host a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) awareness programme in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni, on Friday, 25 September 2026, as part of its Orange Day campaign aimed at encouraging men and communities to take a stand against violence against women and children.
Held under the theme, “Men leading a united stand against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” the event is expected to bring together about 200 participants, including Men as Safety Promoters, Youth Crime Prevention Desks, men’s organisations, students, athletes, councillors, government officials and community members.
The Orange Day campaign encourages men and boys to wear orange and white ribbons as a visible commitment to ending GBVF. Residents across Gauteng are also encouraged to light a candle at 7pm in memory of victims who have lost their lives to gender-based violence.
The programme will begin with a men-led solidarity walk supported by law enforcement agencies before participants gather for ribbon distribution, a candle-lighting ceremony, victim empowerment activities, health services and discussions aimed at strengthening the fight against GBVF. Men attending the event will also be encouraged to commit to taking sustained action against violence in their communities.
The initiative is being led by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety in partnership with the provincial departments of Social Development, Health, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and the Eastern Corridor Rapid Response Team.
According to the provincial government, the campaign follows recent femicide cases in Kempton Park and surrounding areas that have raised serious concerns about the safety of women and girls across Gauteng.
In response, SAPS has intensified Operation Shanela with additional technology and surveillance support, while government departments have established a multi-stakeholder task team to strengthen efforts to combat GBVF.
The provincial government said the programme is intended to move beyond awareness by encouraging men to challenge harmful behaviour, promote respect and actively contribute to creating safer communities for women and children. It stressed that preventing GBVF requires a collective effort from government, law enforcement agencies, families, communities, and especially men and boys.
The event will take place on Friday, 25 September 2026, at 9am, with participants gathering at the Kwa-Thema Police Station. Members of the media have been invited to attend.
