SA embarks on five days of mourning for those who lost their lives to GBVF & COVID-19

Wednesday marks the start of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children – the same day we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence – mostly by an intimate partner.

Deputy President, David Mabuza, has called on South Africans to wear a black armband, a ribbon, or any sign that signifies an act of mourning, in order to demonstrate respect for those who have passed away due to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, as well as those who lost their life to COVID-19.

In his last state of the nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said this is to remember the victims of both COVID-19 and gender-based violence and femicide between Wednesday and Sunday. Flags across the country will fly half-mast between 6am and 6pm.

The Deputy President called on churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and houses of prayer to hold prayer sessions to support surviving families to cope with the loss of their loved ones.

 

Done By: Mitchum George