JOHANNESBURG - Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured South Africans that government is not ignoring the country’s gender-based violence (GBV)crisis.
Mashatile says GBV has not been declared a national disaster because government is actively addressing it.
He was speaking ahead of officially opening the three-day G20 Social Summit in Boksburg, eastern Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
Emphasising the impact of GBV Mashatile said it continues to remains a pressing social challenges that strips women and children off their dignity, safety and the ability to fully participate in society.
He called for renewed urgency, solidarity, and innovation to address obstacles in adressing the issue of GBV.
“As we participate in this G20 Social Summit, it is important that we leverage this international platform to raise awareness, enhance accountability, and coordinate effective action.
Mashatile’rs remarks come after social media has been awash with the colour purple.
This was after users heeded the call by WomenForChange to change their profile pictures to raise awareness on the ongoing crisis of rape and femicide in South Africa.
The women's rights organisation urged women across the country to stay away from work for a day in protest.
They have also called on participants not to spend any money or contribute economically for the day, and to wear black in solidarity with victims of gender-based violence.