A 30-minute silent protest against violence against women took place at the Castle of Good Hope on September 16. Dressed in black participants gathered in silence to remember women whose lives have been taken by violence and to stand in solidarity with women who continue to live in fear.

Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ ANA Studio

GBV activists are urging South Africans to wear black on Friday as police investigate the deaths of women in and around Kempton Park and campaigners demand stronger prevention measures.

They are also urging the government to come up with a “proper plan” focusing on preventing violence against women as Rapid Response Teams struggle to cope with the influx of cases.

This comes as the country mourns nine Kempton Park women who were killed in the last three months, sparking fear of a serial killer targeting women.

Dr Daniel Chettiar, founder of the DSK Group, a non-profit GBV organisation and member of the Rapid Response Team in the north Durban area, said his organisation saw the call for the Black Friday Campaign on social media.

He said they then decided to drive the campaign in the KZN area due to the high number of cases in the province, and they are calling for more action on the ground to address GBV.

“From January 2 to September 1, we dealt with 196 cases of domestic violence, 26 cases of partner violence, 82 cases of sexual assault and 13 cases of harassment.

“In the north Durban area, three women were killed in the last three months. GBV being declared as a national disaster with no budgets and few government-paid social workers on the ground means nothing.

“The Kempton Park murders have opened up wounds for many families who lost loved ones to GBV, and for surviving victims.

Source: https://iol.co.za/thepost/news/2026-09-17-gbv-activists-call-for-black-friday-mourning-campaign-after-kempton-park-deaths/