African National Congress Flags GBVF as National Crisis

The African National Congress (ANC) commemorated the International Day of No Violence Against Women with the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign. The campaign focuses on ending violence against women and children. The ANC warned that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is now a national crisis. The party called for stronger community action. It also urged institutions to reform and push for year-round accountability.

What Happened

The ANC released a statement to officially open the 2025 campaign themed:

“Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.”

The party’s leadership connected the launch to urgent global and local concerns.They referred to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks at the G20 Summit. He said GBVF is a crisis that threatens South Africa’s stability and democracy. The ANC added that the country cannot realise the values of the Freedom Charter while women, children and vulnerable people live in fear. The party said the 16 Days Campaign has mobilised voices for 27 years. It has helped expose abuse, challenge harmful norms and strengthen justice systems.

Official Response

The ANC committed to intensifying its work to:

• strengthen prevention strategies,
• support survivors,
• ensure professional conduct among frontline workers,
• challenge patriarchal attitudes,
• protect children from harm, and
• promote equality and respect from a young age.

The party also emphasized ongoing implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF), and commended civil society organisations, religious leaders, traditional authorities and activists who refuse to normalise violence. “We must confront harmful stereotypes, rebuild community values and empower communities with information that prevents violence,” the statement read.

The ANC also urged broadcasters, media houses and creative industries to play a stronger role in shaping positive public attitudes and promoting a culture of respect and dignity.

The party said GBVF destroys families, weakens communities and threatens national cohesion. The ANC said reducing violence needs constant community involvement. It also requires stronger systems and united action throughout the year. The statement ended with a call for unity.

“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 potential,” the ANC said.