NUMSA joins national shutdown over rising GBV crisis

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) will join the national shutdown on 21 November to protest against the rising levels of gender based violence femicide and violence against children. The union said its National Gender Structure will take part in a demonstration in Bloemfontein supported by the Northern Cape and Free State region.

According to Africa Check South Africa recorded 5727 murders between January and March 2025 which is an average of 62 per day. Of those killed 837 were women which means nine women die every day. Civil society groups say the figures highlight the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for stronger interventions.

Two recent incidents involving children have intensified public concern. Seven boys from a primary school in Diepkloof were allegedly drugged and assaulted at gunpoint in September. Earlier this month a seven year old girl was allegedly raped at a school in Atlantis. Community organisations say these cases reflect the risks faced by children across the country.

NUMSA will march alongside SAFTU affiliates including TASWU and NUPSAW in response to a call by Women for Change which has urged the state to treat gender based violence as a national priority. The protest will begin at Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein at 11 in the morning.

NUMSA second deputy president Puleng Phaka said the union is committed to standing with victims. Phaka said the levels of violence require an urgent response from all sectors of society and called on members to join the demonstration.

The union has encouraged its members across the country to support similar actions where possible. It said the national shutdown aims to highlight the widespread impact of gender based violence and to call for stronger protection for women and children.