Media Statements

The African National Congress marks the International Day of No Violence Against Women and the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, observed annually from 25 November to 10 December. This year’s campaign takes place under the theme, “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”

This observance comes at a moment of deep national reflection, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s firm declaration at the G20 Summit that GBVF is a national crisis. His statement is a sober reminder that South Africa cannot fully realise the values of the Freedom Charter nor consolidate its democratic gains while women, children, and vulnerable persons continue to live under threat.

For twenty seven years, the 16 Days Campaign has mobilised voices across the world to expose the brutality of gendered violence and to confront the cultural and structural norms that enable it. This year, the ANC reiterates that activism cannot be confined to a symbolic period. It must form the backbone of a 365-day societal movement grounded in solidarity, accountability, and collective action.

The ANC calls on society to intensify efforts to strengthen prevention, support survivors, and ensure accessible justice and psychosocial services for those affected. Communities must reject harmful practices, challenge patriarchal attitudes, report abusers, protect children from harm, and teach the principles of equality and respect from a young age.

As government continues implementing the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF), the ANC commends the tireless work of civil society organisations, community leaders, business, faith structures, and every South African who refuses to accept violence as a norm. Their efforts affirm the revolutionary values of human dignity, equality, and justice that underpin our National Democratic Revolution.

The ANC further calls on broadcasters, media houses and creative industries to restore conscious, educational programming that confronts the roots of GBVF and promotes a culture of respect, equality and human dignity. As powerful institutions shaping public attitudes and social norms, they must form part of the national effort to rebuild values, challenge harmful stereotypes and empower communities with information that prevents violence and supports survivors. The struggle against GBVF requires more than law enforcement; it demands the active participation of the entire communications and creative sector in reshaping the moral fabric of our society.

Violence against women, children, and the vulnerable is more than a human rights violation. It erodes the dignity of families, weakens communities, and tears at the moral fibre upon which our democracy stands. No nation can claim freedom while half its population lives in fear.Together, let us turn the tide against GBVF. Together, let us build a South Africa where every woman and every child lives free from fear, free from harm, and free to realise their full human potential.

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