As the nation continues to mourn the status of women in South Africa, many have taken to the streets. Monday’s news that a 42-year-old post-office employer had raped and murdered 19-year-old University of Cape Town (UCT) student Uyinene Mrewetyana brought the country to a standstill. Already, a number of universities have reacted in mourning and protest. But ordinary people are organising too. Capetonians marched to Parliament and outside the CTICC building where World Economic Forum is taking place to voice their anger over the crimes against women on Wednesday. Here’s a list of some of the planned action all over the country that will take place over the next couple of weeks.
Author’s note: This story will continuously be updated with protest action, if you know of or are organising a protest that isn’t on this list please tweet us @thedailyvox or @shaaziaebrahim.
Gathering against Gender Based Violence in South Africa
Young women plan to gather peacefully, all dressed in black, at Parliament to mourn, bring light to and pay respects to the women who have been raped, murdered and have been held, or are currently being held hostage. They will also mourn those who have lived through such trauma.
When: 5 September at 10:30
Where: Parliament of South Africa, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town
Dear President
Organisers are planning a stand-in and protest to dnd violence against womxn*.
When: 6 September at 10am
Where: Outside the ICC, Durban
BLAC picket against gender-based violence
The Bishop Lavis Action Community will picket against gender-based violence. Protesters are asked to wear black and bring placards.
When: 6 September, from 2pm-4pm
Where: Cnr 35th Avenue and Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis in Cape Town
Claremont Main Road Mosque Vigil
The Claremont Main Road Mosque will mourn and pray for the salvation of victims of gender-based violence in a vigil. The vigil will be held to show solidarity, raise awareness and pray for those affected by gender-based violence. All are invited to join.
When: 6 September, 1:30pm – 2pm
Where: Main Road in Claremont, Cape Town
Fight Against Gender-based Violence Demonstrative Funeral
The Ahmed Kathrada Youth Club has planned three demonstrations in the fight against gender-based violence. These will happen:
6 September, 10am-12pm at University of Johannsburg’s (UJ) Auckland Park Campus
7 September, 12pm-2pm at the Lenasia Post Office
9 September, 12pm-2pm at the Wits University Great Hall
#ToRiseAgainstPredators Protest Gathering
Fundamental Change Africa is holding a gathering to protest the war on women and children.
When: 7 September at 11am
Where: Cape Town Parade, castle side
Women Safe Space Protest
Wits students are organising a peaceful sit-in to protest the lack of safe spaces for women in South Africa. They are calling on other universities and institutions to do the same thing at the same time. Protesters have been asked to wear black.
When: 9 September at 7:30am
Where: The Piazza outside the Great Hall, Wits University
Am I Next? Womxns Protest
Wits students are planning to march from West Campus to East Campus of the university. They then plan to demonstrate in front of the Great Hall. Protesters are asked to wear black and purple clothes.
When: 10 September at 8am
Where: Amic Deck, University of the Witwatersrand
The Real Black Friday Is Here
Civil society groups are calling for organising a women’s march against gender-based violence.
When: 13 September at 3am
Where: Outside the JSE, Sandton
Save Our Women March
Community organisers in Midrand are calling on the community to stand up for the rights of women and children in our country. They are planning a peaceful march from Waterfall Park (Mall of Africa) to Waterfall Corner Shopping center. Protesters have been asked to wear purple.
When: 14 September 2019 at 11am until 3pm
Where: Waterfall Park, Midrand, 1686, South Africa
Make Your Mark, Say No
Church groups and civil society in Durban are walking to stand against women and children abuse.
When: 28 September at 9am
Where: Durban, Blue Lagoon to Suncoast
*The term womxn is used to be inclusive of all femme-identifying people, not just cisgendered women.
