Dozens picket outside Parliament against gender-based violence

Concern over loss of momentum since massive protests following Uyinene Mrwetyana’s murder

By Ashraf Hendricks

25 April 2021

About 80 people gathered outside Parliament in Cape Town to protest against gender-based violence on 24 April 2021.

“I think women in particular are just feeling incredibly fed up with the movement at the moment because we’re not seeing much change,” said organiser and activist Sascha Wharton-Hood.

In September 2019, thousands came out to protest after the rape and murder of 19-year old Uyinene Mrwetyana. Since then, protests against gender-based violence have become much smaller.

During the 2021 State of the Nation Address, president Cyril Ramaphosa said government will be reducing the backlog of gender-based violence cases and continue to provide support for survivors.