Over 650,000 South Africans Sign Petition to Declare GBVF a National Disaster Ahead of G20 Summit
A nationwide petition calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) a National Disaster has gained rapid momentum, amassing more than 657,000 verified signatures (as at Monday, November 10) ahead of the upcoming G20 meeting in South Africa.
The campaign, launched by advocacy group Women For Change, highlights the worsening crisis of violence against women and children and demands immediate government intervention to combat what they describe as a “war against women.”
According to the petition, at least 15 women are murdered and 117 report rape to police every day in South Africa, yet many more cases go unreported.
The latest SAPS Crime Statistics (April 2023 – March 2024) reveal a 33.8% increase in femicide, with 5,578 women and 1,656 children killed during that period. Over 42,000 rape cases were reported, but campaigners estimate that 95% of sexual assaults remain unreported.
Despite the existence of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP GBVF) — adopted in 2020 — activists argue that its implementation has been slow and underfunded, allowing the crisis to escalate.
“This staggering increase in femicide has been met with silence. How many more women and children must die before this crisis is treated with the urgency it deserves?” reads part of the petition.
The petition urges the South African government to declare GBVF a National Disaster to mobilize national resources, accelerate reforms, and ensure accountability.
Among its primary demands are:
- Judicial and Legislative Reforms:
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) should oppose bail in cases involving rape, domestic violence, or murder.
Perpetrators of femicide, gang rape, or child sexual abuse should face life imprisonment without parole.
Public officials who mishandle GBVF cases should face immediate disciplinary action.
- Funding the NSP GBVF:
The National Treasury must allocate resources to fully implement the 2025–2030 GBVF Strategic Plan.
The National Council on GBVF Bill, signed into law in May 2024, must be urgently operationalized.
- Public Access to the National Sex Offenders Register:
Make the register publicly accessible to help communities and employers identify convicted offenders.
- Education and Awareness:
Introduce GBV education into the school curriculum, focusing on consent and gender equality.
Promote year-round awareness campaigns across all media platforms.
The petition emphasizes that GBVF is not only a national emergency but also a human rights and public health crisis that cuts across social, cultural, and economic divides.
“Ending gender-based violence and femicide must become a national priority. The safety of women and children can no longer be delayed,” the organization said.
Global Context and Public Support
The campaign comes at a critical moment, as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit, where world leaders are expected to address pressing social and economic issues. Activists hope that the growing support for this petition will push GBVF onto the global agenda and compel the government to act decisively.
Members of the public, community organizations, and advocacy groups have rallied behind the movement — many changing their profile pictures to purple 💜 in solidarity with victims and survivors of GBVF.
The petition continues to gain traction on Change.org, with thousands signing every hour. Click here to join the call and add your voice.