The ANCWL has called for GBVF to be declared a national disaster, but the petition has been reportedly been denied as government prepares to host global leaders and attract foreign investment.

Meanwhile, women feel unsafe, unheard, and unprotected. Families bury daughters while ministers focus on international optics. The delay raises a painful question:

Why must the world’s approval come before the safety of South Africa’s women and children and men?

With the G20 approaching, activists argue that the state is more invested in polishing its global image than confronting the brutality happening at home. The optics of a crisis may threaten investor confidence but the reality is already threatening lives. Twitter · Instagram