The Phoenix Child Welfare management and staff united on Friday, September 18, to pay tribute to the women who lost their lives in the Ekurhuleni area. This tribute follows the discovery of multiple women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni, which has once again drawn national attention to South Africa’s ongoing gender-based violence and femicide crisis. The SAPS said the murders are being investigated by a multidisciplinary team tasked with identifying and arresting those responsible.
National crime statistics show that during the first three quarters of the 2024/25 financial year, 2,884 women were murdered and 31,303 rapes were reported across the country. Parliament has also noted that South Africa’s femicide rate is estimated at around five times the global average. This crisis has devastating effects on families and communities, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent gender-based violence.
Aroona Chetty, director of Phoenix Child Welfare, said the organisation could not remain silent as violence against women continues to devastate families and communities. “Enough is enough. The lives of women matter. Every woman deserves to live free from fear, violence and abuse. We cannot allow the deaths of women to become just another statistic. There needs to be justice for every victim and their families, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions,” said Chetty.
Chetty stressed that preventing gender-based violence requires collective action from communities, families, organisations, law enforcement and government, rather than only responding after lives have been lost. The Phoenix Child Welfare said its work with children and families regularly exposes the lasting effects of abuse and violence, reinforcing the importance of prevention, early intervention, education and strong community partnerships.
As part of its support services, the organisation operates the 24-hour Sahara Shelter, which provides a safe haven for women fleeing domestic violence and abusive situations. Beyond emergency accommodation, the shelter offers emotional support, social work intervention, safety planning, counselling, and referrals to health and legal services to help women rebuild their lives.
Chetty urged women experiencing abuse or fearing for their safety to seek help without delay. “Every woman who loses her life leaves behind people who loved her and a family that has to live with that loss. We must continue speaking out, supporting victims and survivors, educating our communities and challenging attitudes that normalise violence against women. Silence cannot be the response,” she said.
Women in need of assistance can contact Phoenix Child Welfare on 031 500-3671, while community members are encouraged to support survivors by listening without judgement and helping them access appropriate services. The organisation's efforts aim to make a positive impact in the fight against gender-based violence and support those affected by it.
Key points
- Phoenix Child Welfare calls for collective action to prevent gender-based violence.
- The organisation operates a 24-hour shelter for women fleeing domestic violence.
- South Africa's femicide rate is estimated at around five times the global average.
