EKURHULENI – Families, communities and government officials gathered in Kempton Park to honour nine women whose deaths have renewed concerns about gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.

Government joined families and communities in Ekurhuleni on Thursday to remember nine women whose lives were tragically cut short amid the country’s ongoing scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

The memorial service was held at the Ekurhuleni Civic Centre in Kempton Park, where mourners gathered to pay tribute to the victims and reflect on the devastating impact of violence against women.

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia addressed the gathering, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the deaths are held accountable.

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga also joined the families and communities in honouring the women. She called for continued collective action to confront GBVF and femicide.

The memorial comes as police investigate a series of killings involving women whose bodies have been discovered in and around Ekurhuleni in recent weeks. The cases have heightened public concern and renewed calls for decisive action to protect women and bring perpetrators to justice.

Government’s participation in the memorial underscores the need for sustained cooperation between law-enforcement agencies, communities and civil society in addressing GBVF.

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