Cape Town activists criticize municipal permit procedure for solidarity action against gender-based violence

Activists dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) are strongly urging South Africans to wear black on Friday as a sign of mourning. This call followed the murders of women in the Kempton Park area, while police investigate these deaths, and activists demand the implementation of more effective violence prevention measures.

These appeals are also directed at the government, demanding the development of a 'proper plan' focused on preventing violence against women, as Rapid Response Teams are struggling to handle the growing number of such cases.

The situation has intensified amid mourning for nine women from Kempton Park who have died in the last three months, raising concerns about a possible serial killer targeting women.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Dr. Daniel Chettiar, founder of DSK Group, a non-profit organization addressing GBV and a member of the Rapid Response Team in northern Durban, reported that his organization saw the call for a 'Black Friday' campaign on social media. Due to the high number of cases in the KZN province, they decided to promote this campaign in the region and insist on the need for local action to address the GBV problem.

Chettiar noted that between January 2 and September 1, his organization registered 196 cases of domestic violence, 26 cases of partner violence, 82 cases of sexual assault, and 13 cases of stalking. He added that three women have died in northern Durban in the last three months. According to him, declaring GBV a national catastrophe without a budget and a small number of state-paid social workers is meaningless.

He emphasized that the murders in Kempton Park have caused pain to many families who have lost loved ones to GBV, as well as surviving victims. Eight deaths have caused fear among women, and Rapid Response Team members are forced to work ten times harder due to the volume of work. Despite the lack of government support, they are fundraising themselves and trying to help every victim.

Judge Navi Pillay, co-founder of Advice Desk for Abused Women, stated that too much emphasis is placed on responding to GBV cases, and not enough attention is given to prevention. She stated that a clear action plan and policy are needed, not just a reaction to every horrific incident.

Pillay insisted that ending GBV requires a proper prevention-oriented plan, not just arrests, convictions, and bail denials for the accused. She stressed the need for increased work and the involvement of everyone in discussing prevention to change the GBV situation.

Dr. Brandon Pillay, chairman of the Chatsworth RTT, reported that they have long raised the alarm, but no significant changes have occurred in the fight against GBV. He stated that the Kempton Park murders have once again exposed old wounds and demonstrated the inadequate protection of women in the country. He called this moment the saddest for the country and announced that they launched a campaign calling on residents to wear black on Friday in support of all who have died due to GBV, noting that the country is in mourning.

As Suicide Prevention Day approaches, global health organizations are strongly urging residents of South Africa to openly discuss the topic of suicide and learn to recognize signs that someone is struggling.

September once again draws attention to suicide prevention, as Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10th as part of global efforts to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent this issue.

This year's theme for Suicide Prevention Day is 'Changing the Narrative Around Suicide,' and the call to action is 'Start the Conversation.' According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this campaign aims to debunk harmful myths, reduce stigma, and create environments where people feel safe to talk about their experiences and seek help.

In South Africa, this dialogue holds particular significance. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has emphasized the phrase 'Every Conversation Matters' in its 2026 suicide prevention campaign, stressing the need to know how to respond if someone is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.

SADAG notes that perfect words are not necessary to start a conversation about suicide; the important first step is listening without judgment and creating an opportunity for the person to speak. Furthermore, the organization emphasizes that discussing suicide itself does not lead to a person becoming prone to it. On the contrary, open dialogue can allow a struggling person to express their feelings and find support.

Suicide is a global public health problem. WHO estimates that over 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year, with young people being particularly affected. In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29.

In South Africa, SADAG reports approximately 23 suicide cases daily, along with hundreds of serious attempts. The organization also pointed to a disproportionately strong impact on men: South African men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Behind these statistics are people facing struggles that are not always visible to others.

Financial pressure, relationship problems, grief, academic or work stress, mental health issues, and feelings of isolation can contribute to emotional distress. However, there is no single reason why someone might consider suicide, so mental health professionals insist on the importance of listening rather than assuming.

September once again focuses attention on suicide prevention, as Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10th as part of global efforts to raise awareness and stimulate action to prevent suicide.

One of the simplest ways to offer support is to check in on someone's well-being and listen to them sincerely. Questions like 'How are you really?' or 'Do you want to talk about what you are going through?' can open the door to an honest dialogue.

If someone discloses their difficulties, it is important to take it seriously, listen without judgment, and encourage the person to seek professional help. You do not have to have all the answers yourself.

SADAG also urges people to learn more about suicide prevention, including how to recognize warning signs, engage in safe conversations, and where to access professional help. The 2026 campaign includes resources in several South African languages, such as Sepedi, isiZulu, Sesotho, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga.

WHO asserts that changing the narrative also means moving from silence and misunderstanding to openness and compassion, while ensuring the availability of proper care and support for people experiencing distress.

Suicide Prevention Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to reflect on how the topic of mental health is discussed throughout the year. For a person who feels isolated, asking about their well-being can be very significant. For a person supporting a loved one, knowing how to listen can make a difficult conversation less frightening.

Thus, the main message of this year's campaign is simple: conversations matter. Starting such a conversation may cause discomfort, but creating space to speak, listening without judgment, and helping to find support are vital parts of suicide prevention. For immediate crisis support regarding suicide in South Africa, the SADAG 24-hour hotline is 0800 567 567.