The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) National Gender Structure will participate in the National Shutdown scheduled for 21 November 2025 to protest against alarming levels of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), femicide, and violence against children in South Africa. NUMSA will participate in a demonstration in Bloemfontein, supported by its Northern Cape and Free State region.
The statistics are horrifying. According to AfricaCheck between January and March 2025, South Africa recorded 5,727 murders, averaging 62 per day. Of those killed, 837 were women, meaning nine women are murdered daily.
Recent reports highlight the severity of this pandemic:
- In a shocking case, seven boys from Khomanani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, were allegedly drugged and raped at gunpoint by an adult in September. A suspect was arrested but later released pending investigation.
- On 13 November, a 7-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a school in Atlantis, Western Cape.
These incidents underscore that South Africa is in a state of emergency. We must take drastic steps to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
NUMSA will protest alongside affiliates from our federation SAFTU, including TASWU and NUPSAW, to respond to the call made by Women for Change, to demand that GBV be treated as a national priority. The media is invited to the demonstration, details as follows:
Protest Details:
- Date: Friday, 21 November 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Venue: Hoffman Square, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein, 9301
NUMSA calls on all members to join this demonstration and support similar actions across the country if they can.
Together, we can send a clear message: Enough is enough! End GBV now!
Ends.
Issued by:
Puleng Phaka
NUMSA 2nd Deputy President
For media inquiries:
Phakamile Hlubi-Majola
NUMSA National Spokesperson
083 376 7725 | phakamileh@numsa.org.za
NUMSA Head Office: 011 689 1700