Thousands of South Africans are taking part in today’s national shutdown against gender-based violence, with protesters wearing black and purple, halting work and joining a 15-minute midday lie down to honour victims. Demonstrations have spread across major cities as campaigners demand the crisis be declared a national disaster.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called gender-based violence a profound crisis, while civil society groups urge government to act with the urgency shown during the Covid response.