Ladysmith was turned into a see of purple and black as the community, schools, community-based organisations, religious groups and political bodies joined South Africa on 21 November is speaking out against gender-based violence and femicide.
South Africans were asked to wear purple in solidarity, joining a nationwide shutdown organised by Women for Change, a leading organisation advocating for the rights and protection of women.
The organisation told women across the country refrain from all paid and unpaid work in workplaces, universities, and homes, and to spend no money for the entire day to demonstrate the economic and social impact of their absence. “Because until South Africa stops burying a woman every 2.5 hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress,” said Women for Change.
At the ML Sultan Primary School, teachers, staff and pupils gathered for a moving prayer meeting that became the emotional heart of the day’s activities. Dressed in black and purple, they formed the letter “W”, symbolising women, warriors, and the nationwide women’s shutdown campaign led by Women for Change SA.
Candles were lit as the school community bowed their heads in remembrance and prayer for those who have suffered, and for the lives lost to violence. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly emotional, leaving a lasting impression of unity, hope, and a shared call for change.
Acaciavale Primary School joined the national call. Their demonstration highlighted solidarity and the urgent need for government action against GBV.
Outside the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court, the Democratic Alliance (DA) members stood in silence, showing support for the G20 Women’s Shutdown. “This campaign calls on women and members of the LGBTQI+ community to refrain from work, school, and daily responsibilities to draw attention to the devastating impact of GBV across the country,” said the protestors.
From schools to political representatives, the message was clear: Violence against women and children must end, and communities must stand together to protect and honour the vulnerable. The nationwide momentum led up to the G20 Women’s Shutdown reflects a growing public determination to confront the crisis and demand lasting change.
Schools, community members, and political representatives in Ladysmith joined a nationwide movement to highlight South Africa’s ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, Friday morning, 21 November, s.
