South Africans across the country are turning purple this week to stand against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. Women for Change is leading the campaign and is asking people to wear purple, tie ribbons in visible places, and switch their profile pictures to purple to show unity.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Purple has long symbolised courage and dignity in women’s rights movements. In this campaign, it honours victims and supports survivors. It also signals a collective demand for safety. The purple campaign builds toward the National Shutdown Against GBV on Friday, 21 November 2025, which takes place a day before the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
Several well-known landmarks in Gauteng, including the Nelson Mandela Bridge, Mall of Africa, and the PwC Tower, are now glowing purple. These displays will stay in place through November during the 16 Days of Activism.
Gauteng Faces One of the Highest GBV Rates in the Country
Gauteng continues to face severe levels of gender-based violence. SAPS crime statistics for April 2024 to March 2025 show the following:
| Indicator (Gauteng 2024/25) | Reported Number | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Women murdered (femicide) | 1,101 | Highest provincial total in South Africa |
| Reported rape cases | 6,921 | Among the highest levels of sexual violence nationally |
| Domestic-related attempted murder | 1,438 | Shows ongoing danger within intimate relationships |
| Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm | 14,332 | Indicates widespread and sustained physical abuse |
In most cases, the perpetrator was someone the victim knew.
The home, the intimate partnership, and the family environment remain the highest-risk spaces for many women.
Purple Takes Over Public Spaces and Community Life
The campaign aims to make the crisis visible in everyday life. Public buildings and bridges are lit in purple. People across workplaces, schools, and transport hubs are wearing purple ribbons. Faith groups are hosting moments of reflection and prayer. Youth groups and universities are holding dialogues and awareness circles.
These actions bring the issue out into the open. They show that GBV does not exist in isolation. It affects families, neighbourhoods, and entire communities.
National Shutdown on 21 November: What Will Happen
The purple campaign leads into the National Shutdown Against GBV on Friday, 21 November 2025. People are encouraged to stop all paid and unpaid work for the day. They are also asked not to spend money and to join a 15-minute standstill at midday to honour the 15 women killed every day.
The shutdown takes place during the G20 Summit, placing the issue in front of both national leaders and international delegates. It calls for stronger action and coordinated responses to the ongoing crisis.
Why This Moment Matters in South Africa’s Fight Against GBV
Ending GBV requires action at every level. The purple campaign and shutdown highlight the scale of the crisis and call for accountability from government institutions. Survivor support services need stable funding and trained staff. Communities need safe reporting spaces. Public awareness must continue beyond campaign periods.
The movement challenges the idea that GBV is a private issue. It positions safety and protection as national priorities that affect everyone.
How People in Gauteng Can Participate
- Wear purple or update your profile picture
- Share information about where to get help
- Support shelters and organisations that assist survivors
- Join local community awareness dialogues
- Participate in the shutdown on 21 November
Support Services in Gauteng
GBV Command Centre (24 hours): 0800 428 428
SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322
TEARS Foundation SMS Line: 1347355#
Standing Together for Safety and Justice
The purple-lit buildings across Gauteng are more than symbolic. They show a collective refusal to accept violence as normal. The solidarity seen this month reflects a shift in public awareness and shared responsibility.
Safety is a right. Every life matters. Change must begin now.
