GBV Declared National Disaster at G20

South Africa has taken a historic step in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement at the G20 Social Summit that the crisis will be formally classified as a National Disaster.

The announcement comes after an international petition started by Women For Change, led by founder Sabrina Walter, drew support from more than 1.1 million people worldwide. For nearly a decade, Walter and her organisation have been at the forefront of advocating for survivors, supporting grieving families, and demanding urgent government action.

In her official statement, Walter described the moment as the culmination of years of painful stories, tireless campaigning, and unwavering public support. “We have witnessed the unbearable grief of families who had to identify the bodies of the women they loved. Today, that persistence has been recognised. We have won,” she said.

Following the President’s announcement, an internal meeting was held with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the authority responsible for declaring national disasters. According to Walter, ministers from multiple key departments have reached an agreement, and the formal declaration is expected to be signed on Friday. A follow-up meeting next week will outline the implementation plan and timelines for action.

Walter paid tribute to her team, describing them as the “heartbeat of Women For Change” and credited every individual who signed the petition, shared the message, or supported the movement. “We have written history together. We forced the country to finally confront the truth,” she said.

In a powerful act of national solidarity, South African women, children, and members of the LGBTQI+ community are expected to participate in a nationwide shutdown on Friday, 21 November. Participants will withdraw their labour and lie down for 15 minutes at 12:00 PM in silence to honour victims and survivors of GBVF.

“We will do this for the women who died begging to be believed… for every survivor who still suffers in silence… for the next generation,” Walter said.

She emphasised that the declaration is only the beginning of a long fight for safety and justice. “Tomorrow, we lie down — not in defeat, but in power. Tomorrow, we rise — for every woman, every child,” she concluded.

The world will be watching as South Africa stands still to confront one of its most urgent national crises.