eThekwini Municipality Urges Youth to Lead Fight Against GBVF at 16 Days of Activism Launch
eThekwini Municipality has urged young people to step up and take a leading role in tackling the growing problem of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). This call came during the official launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The event took place on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, at King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi, south of Durban. It brought together community leaders, government officials, and residents to stand united against this national crisis.
The launch set a strong message of togetherness, responsibility, and action to protect women and children throughout the municipality. With GBVF cases on the rise across South Africa, the event highlighted the need for everyone – from families to law enforcement – to work hand in hand. This year’s campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December 2025, focusing on building safer communities and ending violence that affects so many lives.
Highlights from the Launch Event
The programme kicked off with a meaningful visit to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. There, municipal leaders checked the facilities and services available for women and children who have faced abuse. The visit aimed to spread awareness about how communities and victims can report incidents and get the help they need. It showed the real support systems in place, like counselling and medical care, and stressed how important it is for people to know where to turn in tough times.
After the hospital visit, the main gathering at King Zwelithini Stadium drew a crowd eager to join the fight. Municipal heads, along with people from government departments and private companies, talked about practical ways to stop GBVF. They shared ideas on better interventions, like community programmes and stricter laws, to make a real difference in the municipality.
Deputy Mayor’s Strong Message to the Youth
eThekwini Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni spoke directly to young people in uMlazi, encouraging them to play an active part in preventing violence. She also called on families to come together in this effort. “We are here to echo the President’s message that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a crisis. Law enforcement alone cannot eradicate GBVF without the support of families, churches, and the broader community. GBVF affects people of all races, genders, and backgrounds,” the Deputy Mayor said.
Her words reminded everyone that GBVF is not just a problem for some – it touches every corner of society. By getting youth involved, the municipality hopes to build a new generation that stands against abuse and promotes respect and equality.
Committee Chairperson’s Urgent Plea
Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, Zama Sokhabase, pointed out that gender-based violence and femicide are some of the worst human rights issues hitting women and children in South Africa. “Let us work together to halt gender-based violence,” Sokhabase urged. Her call added to the event’s focus on teamwork and quick action to protect those at risk.
City law enforcement groups, including the South African Police Service, promised to keep working closely with communities and other groups to reduce GBVF. They talked about stronger patrols, quicker responses to reports, and training for officers to handle these cases with care.
Civil Society’s Focus on Accountability
eThekwini Civil Society Organisation Secretary Sazi Jali stressed the need for everyone to take responsibility. “Ending GBVF requires our communities to stand together and uphold Pillar 1 of the National Strategic Plan, which focuses on accountability. This work begins within our families, where each of us must hold one another responsible for our actions.”
Jali’s message showed how change starts at home. By making sure people answer for their behaviour, communities can create safer spaces and break the cycle of violence.
National Launch and Broader Government Efforts
On the same day, the national campaign was launched at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, together with Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, led the event. They called for the whole country to join in ending GBVF, with a special push for men, women, boys, and girls to work as one.
This national event tied into eThekwini’s launch, showing how local actions fit into a bigger plan. Earlier in 2025, the government started the 90-Day GBVF Acceleration Programme. This fast-paced effort aims to speed up the National Strategic Plan on GBVF by focusing on quick wins like more care centres, better court systems for sexual offences, and stronger laws. The programme came after a worrying rise in GBVF cases, and it includes working across government levels to make real changes fast.
The 16 Days campaign also lines up with the release of the five-year review of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. This review looks back at what has worked and what needs fixing right away. It points out gaps in areas like prevention, support for victims, and holding offenders accountable. The findings call for more funding, better data tracking, and stronger partnerships to make the plan even more effective in the years ahead.
Shocking GBVF Statistics Highlight the Crisis
South Africa’s GBVF numbers paint a grim picture that explains why campaigns like this are so vital. Recent data shows that between July and September 2024, 957 women were murdered, 1,567 survived attempted murders, and 14,366 faced serious assaults. Overall, more than 35% of women over 18 have dealt with physical or sexual violence in their lives. The country’s femicide rate is five times the global average, with around 15 women killed every day.
In the first three months of 2025, police recorded 13,453 sexual offences. These figures show how GBVF cuts across all groups, hitting hardest in poor and rural areas. Experts say factors like poverty, inequality, and old cultural norms make the problem worse. The recent declaration of GBVF as a national disaster, after big protests like the G20 Women’s Shutdown, has pushed for more urgent action and resources to fight it.
Understanding the Theme: ‘Letsema’
This year’s theme, “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” draws from the Sesotho word for collective community work. It calls for everyone to pitch in, like in a traditional harvest where people help each other. The theme pushes for shared responsibility, breaking down old ideas that GBVF is just a “women’s issue.” Instead, it invites men and boys to be part of the solution, promoting respect and equality in daily life.
By using ‘Letsema,’ the campaign aims to build a sense of unity. It encourages simple actions, like talking about healthy relationships in schools, supporting victims in neighbourhoods, and challenging harmful behaviours in families.
The Global Roots of the 16 Days Campaign
The 16 Days of Activism is part of a worldwide United Nations effort to end violence against women and children. It starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. Around the world, countries use this time to raise awareness, get communities involved, and push for better laws and services.
In South Africa, the campaign has grown stronger each year, linking local events like eThekwini’s launch to global goals. It ties into other UN themes, like ending digital violence against women in 2025. This global link helps share ideas and resources, making the fight against GBVF even more powerful.
As the 16 Days unfold, eThekwini and the rest of South Africa hope to see real change. With youth leading the way, stronger government plans, and community teamwork, there is a chance to build a safer future for women and children everywhere.
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