Activists have warned the South African government not to ignore the root causes of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), which include unemployment, poverty, and financial inequality.

This follows last week’s announcement classifying GBVF as a national disaster.

A meeting on Friday is expected to outline a detailed plan and define the roles of civil society and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

The Women for Change organisation says they didn’t expect the declaration to be made before the silent nationwide shutdown.

Spokesperson Cameron Kasambala says they now want to see action that equates to the magnitude of the crisis.

Kasambala says there is now a need for urgent and efficient implementation of existing policies and frameworks.

“What we’re expecting to see is more transparency in reports as well as audits, explaining exactly how funding will be allocated better to implement things like the national strategic plan. Better enforce existing legislation like the sexual harassment act, looking at developing a multi-ministerial civil society and private organisation committee that looks at the different elements of the society and citizens,” says Kasambala.

Related video | Women for Change’s national shutdown against GBV:

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government says the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign will focus on a combined effort by men, women, boys and girls to tackle the scourge.

The provincial government has also welcomed the classification of GBVF as a national disaster.

As part of its reaction plan the Eastern Cape government says it has capacitated Rapid Response Teams in municipalities to improve local-level coordination and victim-support services.

Provincial government spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie says the programme will be launched on Tuesday.

“In line with the classification, the provincial government will strengthen support to existing GBVF response structures and intensify its efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide through a strengthened, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” adds Rantjie.

Related video | Gender-based violence and femicide declared national disaster| Dr Lisa Vetten weighs in:

In the Western Cape, a memorial service will be held in Syferfontein near George, to honour the victims of gender-based violence and show support to affected families.

Community members, local leaders and organisations are expected to attend the gathering, which aims to raise awareness, promote healing, and call for stronger action against gender-based violence.

The service will include tributes, prayers and messages of solidarity as the community stands together to remember those whose lives were lost.

The approach activates national coordination through:
• Inter-Ministerial Committee
• NATJOINTS GBVF Priority Committee
• Intergovernmental Disaster Management structures
• Technical DG Committee
• Provincial and local joint structures
• Technical and political ICDM pic.twitter.com/CXPSgaqkTg

— NationalCoGTA 🇿🇦 (@NationalCoGTA) November 21, 2025