'Enough is Enough': South African Women Protest After String of Murders Near Johannesburg

Women in South Africa have taken to the streets in recent weeks, protesting under the banner of "Enough is Enough" following the discovery of nine women's bodies in the Ekurhuleni region, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months. The series of murders, with some victims showing signs of sexual assault, has ignited widespread fear and anger, prompting memorial runs and demonstrations in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Many protesters expressed deep frustration, arguing that women are not safe anywhere, whether running, at home, or in public spaces.

These recent protests underscore a long-standing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa, which has one of the world's highest femicide rates. The nation officially declared gender-based violence a national disaster in November 2025, following a major campaign and petitions by groups like Women for Change. Despite this official recognition and government pledges to address the issue, many women feel that little has changed to improve their safety.

Activists and citizens are criticizing police responses, particularly advice for women to exercise caution or avoid walking alone, arguing that the responsibility for safety should not fall solely on victims. Demonstrators, often dressed in black with some taping their mouths shut, are demanding stronger action from authorities, including improved policing and accountability, to combat the pervasive violence against women.