Over eight hundred community members and civil society organizations took to the streets on the 18th July 2025, in a demonstration against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, in Cape Town.The march, led by Sonke Gender Justice in partnership with the Western Cape Men’s Sector, Movement of Change for Social Justice, Baphi Abafazi and People’s Health Movement, among other organisations, called attention to the systemic failures of the justice system and the urgent need to protect women, children, and all survivors of violence.
Participants came from communities across Cape Town including Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Delft, Philippi, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Kraaifontein, Maitland, Langa, and Wynberg, reflecting widespread concern over the surge of GBV and the government’s slow response to addressing the crimes.
The march culminated in the handover of a memorandum to the Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape, Eric Ndabazalila.
The memorandum outlined key concerns, including long delays in GBV prosecutions and the lack of adequate institutional support for survivors. A key case highlighted was on that Sonke has been monitoring, that of Ziyanda Ndabeni, a young woman raped and murdered in 2016, whose case only concluded nine years later, exemplifying the devastating consequences of justice delayed.
Memorandum demands included:
- The deployment of additional skilled prosecutors and investigators to the NPA.
- Increased support and staffing for the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) unit and Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs).
- Strengthening of the Office of Witness Protection to ensure the safety of vulnerable witnesses.
- The implementation of a “no Bail” policy for rape and domestic violence accused persons.
Ndabazalila accepted the memorandum, which urged the NPA to respond to on or before the 18 August 2025. “This march was more than a protest, it was a public demand for accountability, safety, and justice. Survivors and communities are tired of excuses. We demand a justice system that works for all’’ said Sikhangele Mabulu, Sonke’s Men’s Wellness Centre Coordinator.
The march reaffirmed that communities will continue to mobilise until real change is achieved and the rights and dignity of all survivors are respected and upheld.
