President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a gender-based violence crisis in South Africa, saying the country must take “extraordinary and concerted action” to end gender-based violence and femicide. He was speaking on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at the G20 Social Summit in Boksburg. There, he received the summit’s social declaration.
Ramaphosa said the G20 process would move ahead “with or without the United States”. He insisted that South Africa “will not agree to be bullied by anyone”. He linked the gender-based violence crisis to the country’s development. Ramaphosa warned that violence against women “erodes the social fabric of nations”. It constrains growth and weakens efforts to build sustainable, equal societies. He added that men and boys are “critical partners” in challenging harmful norms. These norms and power imbalances normalise violence and silence survivors.
Shutdown Movement Demands Action on GBV
Ramaphosa’s remarks came as advocacy group Women For Change pushed for gender-based violence to be declared a national disaster. The movement has organised a nationwide shutdown for Friday, 21 November 2025. This is the day before the G20 leaders’ summit, to highlight years of rising femicide and brutal attacks on women.
Women For Change activist and victim support lead Michael Benevolent Masina said South Africans had “normalised GBVF” and that the shutdown is a way to say “enough”. Instead of large marches, the group has built a grassroots network across all provinces. They coordinate safe 15-minute lie-downs in nearby public spaces. Supporters are urged to wear black, avoid work where possible, and refrain from spending. They should also change their profile pictures to purple in solidarity. Activists say they want more than speeches about the gender-based violence crisis. They are demanding urgency, accountability, and visible change.
Government and Provincial Responses
Ramaphosa said South Africa backs the Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. This network aims to mobilise global health financing so vulnerable communities are not deprived of care. He said societies cannot be sustainable unless they uphold the rights of women and girls. They must also recognise women’s economic contribution.
In the Western Cape, the provincial government pointed to initiatives such as the LEAP policing programme. Other initiatives include the Violence Prevention Unit and the Department of Social Development’s GBV Ambassadors. Social Development MEC Jaco Londt said residents who stand up against abuse and violence increase the chances of achieving “a safe, peaceful and thriving society for all”.
