Media Statement

The ANC stands in resolute solidarity with all women and children as we observe the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a global campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10. This is a call to action against the ongoing and pervasive violence that seeks to destroy the fabric of our society, particularly the violence faced by women and children, who remain the most vulnerable members of our communities.

We declare, unequivocally, that gender-based violence and femicide (GBV-F) must be defeated. It is an urgent matter of life and death. The ANC reaffirms its commitment to the principles enshrined in our 54th National Conference, which resolutely calls for the abolition of all forms of violence and the oppression of women. We call for an end to the patriarchal systems that continue to justify the exploitation, silencing, and abuse of women and children. In this struggle, there is no compromise—women must live free from fear, oppression, and violence.

The ANC reaffirms that women are equal citizens of this country. They have the right to make choices about their bodies, their lives, and their futures without the threat of violence or coercion. Women’s right to bodily autonomy is non-negotiable, ‘NO means NO’, and this must be respected. Reproductive rights are human rights, and women must be free to decide their futures without interference or violence. The time for debate is over; it is time for action, time to end the scourge of sexism, and violence that continues to take root in our society.

Gender-based violence, including the growing epidemic of femicide, is not just a personal tragedy but a societal failure. It is rooted in a long history of patriarchal control and subjugation. It is a direct assault on women’s rights to live freely, to move safely, and to participate fully in society. According to the United Nations, 1 in 3 women will experience violence in her lifetime, with intimate partner violence being the leading cause. South Africa, tragically, has witnessed an alarming rise in violence against women and children, and we can no longer stand by as innocent lives are lost. The ANC has long been committed to addressing this issue, and we will not relent in our pursuit of justice and equality for all women.

We call on all sectors of society to unite in the fight against GBV and femicide. This must be a collective struggle—government, civil society, the private sector, and individual South Africans must take action. We urge communities to report violence when they see it, to stand in solidarity with survivors, and to engage in honest conversations about gender equality and respect. The time for silence and complacency has passed; we must act now.

We honor the lives of women and children who have been taken too soon, whose dreams were stolen, and whose futures were extinguished by violence. We salute the survivors who have shown courage in coming forward, and we vow to build a society that supports them. The ANC remains steadfast in its commitment to fully implementing the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP: GBVF), ensuring that victims are given the support they deserve and that perpetrators face justice.

This is not a time for empty words or promises. The ANC will continue to push for the full enforcement of laws aimed at protecting women and children, including the establishment of special courts for GBV cases, greater sensitivity training for law enforcement, and harsher penalties for those who perpetuate these heinous acts. We stand with the victims of gender-based violence, and we will continue to fight until this evil is eradicated from our society.

We are at a crossroads in South Africa’s history. The struggle for gender equality, dignity, and respect is one we must all join. As the ANC, we commit to leading this fight, but we cannot succeed without the active participation of every South African. Let us unite to create a society where all women and children can live free from violence, where equality and respect are not just ideals but the lived reality for all.

We will not stop until femicide is a thing of the past, until women can walk safely, until every woman has the freedom to make choices without fear of harm. The time is now. Let us work together doing more to ensure that this scourge is defeated once and for all.