The Democratic Alliance (DA) took to the streets of Gugulethu yesterday in a Women’s Day march, painting the township blue as they called for urgent action against gender-based violence (GBV) and the national DNA backlog, which they say is denying justice to thousands of survivors.
The march, attended by DA supporters and activists, highlighted the ongoing crisis of violence against women and children in South Africa. Participants carried placards and chanted slogans demanding safer communities and faster processing of forensic evidence to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
DNA Backlog Delaying Justice
A key focus of the protest was the severe backlog in DNA processing at forensic laboratories, which has left countless GBV cases unresolved. The DA argues that critical evidence in rape and assault cases remains untested, leaving survivors in limbo while offenders evade justice.
Patricia, a DA supporter at the march, emphasized the need for solidarity among women. “Abuse is real. The death of our women is real,” she said. “We are not going to stop fighting. Women must speak out—don’t keep quiet, don’t be silent.”
Another attendee called on the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU) to prioritize GBV interventions. “The justice system is failing us,” she said. “Every day, our children are killed by men. This must stop. The government must act.”
Men Urged to Join the Fight
The march also saw men standing in solidarity, with one male participant addressing the role of men in ending GBV. “The fate of women is in the hands of men,” he said. “We must be better brothers, fathers, and neighbors.”
The protest comes amid a grim Women’s Month, with recent high-profile cases of femicide and abuse casting a shadow over the country. While the day is meant to celebrate women’s achievements, many attendees acknowledged that the fight for safety and justice is far from over.
“Yes, we commemorate, but the struggle is real,” said one speaker. “This conversation must continue every day until we see change.”
The DA has vowed to keep pressure on the government to address both GBV and forensic delays, ensuring survivors are not left waiting for justice.
