South Africa : Gender-based violence declared a national disaster after nationwide protests

South Africa has designated gender-based violence a national disaster following a mass movement led by Women for Change, with coordinated “lie downs” in 15 cities and over one million petition signatures. The government, through Velenkosini Hlabisa, unlocked wider public budgets to accelerate emergency measures against a crisis claiming 15 women daily. Public figures, including Cyril Ramaphosa and Grammy-winner Tyla, backed the purple movement calling for decisive national action.