Gauteng – As the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children draws to a close, the Soil of Africa Civic Movement (SOA) has issued a strong call for sustained, year-round action, warning that symbolic campaigns mean little while violence against women and children continues unabated.
SOA said this year’s closing period has been overshadowed by a devastating tragedy in Mamelodi, where two young girls were brutally murdered — a crime that has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited national outrage over South Africa’s deepening gender-based violence (GBV) crisis.
“These children should have been protected, heard and safe,” the movement said. “Instead, their lives were stolen, followed by an alarming silence from sectors of leadership, institutions and even communities paralysed by fear or indifference.”
SOA described the silence as unacceptable, arguing that GBV has escalated into a national pandemic reflecting systemic failures across policing, social services, community safety structures and government accountability.
“We cannot condemn violence for 16 days and remain silent for the remaining 349 days of the year,” the movement said.
Beyond Slogans and Campaigns
According to SOA, the lives of the two girls in Mamelodi represent thousands of women and children whose suffering never reaches the headlines, while many more remain at risk daily.
The movement stressed that GBV cannot be defeated through awareness campaigns alone, but requires decisive and visible action, including:
- Immediate and effective policing responses;
- Clear accountability where systems fail;
- Strong community-based protection structures;
- Harsh consequences for perpetrators; and
- Government departments that act decisively, not just issue statements.
Pressure That Delivers Results
SOA also highlighted a recent intervention in Tshwane as proof that action is possible when leadership responds. Following the movement’s demand for the closure of non-compliant taverns and clubs, the MMC for Health in the City of Tshwane acted swiftly, resulting in the shutdown of two non-compliant clubs in Mamelodi.
“This shows that when pressure is applied and leadership acts, lives can be protected,” SOA said.
Call to Action
As the 16 Days of Activism period ends, SOA has called on all sectors of society to play their part:
- Communities to break the silence;
- SAPS to act decisively and consistently;
- Municipalities to enforce compliance without fear or favour;
- Social development structures to prioritise protection of the vulnerable; and
- Government leaders to stand with grieving families demanding justice.
“Activism Must Be Daily”
SOA concluded by reiterating that the fight against GBV must not be seasonal.
“Activism must not be symbolic. It must be daily,” the movement said. “The lives of the two young girls from Mamelodi must not become another forgotten headline. Their story must force this country to act — loudly, urgently and relentlessly.”
The Soil of Africa Civic Movement vowed to continue fighting, exposing failures, demanding accountability and protecting communities 365 days a year.
