“The Nelson Mandela Foundation has called on South Africans to use their votes as a tool for profound social change, emphasizing accountability on the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). As elections approach, the Foundation warns that democracy does not end at the ballot box but requires sustained activism to protect constitutional rights and build safer communities.”
South Africa stands at a critical juncture as the nation prepares for local government elections. Against this backdrop, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has issued a powerful call to action, urging citizens to demand accountability from political leaders on the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). This intervention highlights the intersection of activism and politics, reminding voters that democracy is not a passive exercise but an active, continuous responsibility.
Context of the Call
Nearly a year after GBVF was declared a national disaster, the government’s response remains under scrutiny. Funding shortfalls, weak institutional coordination, and inadequate enforcement have left many communities vulnerable. The Mandela Foundation argues that elections provide a rare opportunity for citizens to interrogate candidates on their commitments to safety, justice, and constitutional rights.
The Foundation’s Message
The Foundation’s statement emphasizes that “our responsibility does not begin and end at the ballot box”. Instead, democracy requires active citizenship: holding institutions accountable, challenging injustice, and recognizing individual roles in building a society where rights are lived realities. This framing positions activism as inseparable from political participation, urging voters to see themselves as agents of change rather than passive observers.
Gender-Based Violence as a National Crisis
South Africa has some of the highest rates of GBVF globally. Reports indicate that one in three women experiences violence in her lifetime, while femicide rates are five times higher than the global average. Despite government pledges, shelters remain underfunded, police responses inconsistent, and survivors often retraumatized by the justice system. Activists argue that GBVF is not just a social issue but a political one, requiring systemic reform and accountability.
Political Landscape
As parties campaign, the issue of GBVF is conspicuously absent from many manifestos. The African National Congress (ANC) has focused on service delivery, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) emphasize poverty reduction. Yet, activists insist that safety and justice are foundational to development. The Mandela Foundation’s intervention seeks to redirect public discourse, ensuring GBVF is not sidelined in political debates.
Civil Society Mobilization
Civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, and grassroots activists have rallied around the Foundation’s call. Campaigns are underway to pressure candidates into signing pledges committing to concrete GBVF interventions. Social media movements amplify survivor voices, demanding transparency in government spending on GBVF programs. This activism reflects a broader trend: South Africans increasingly view elections as platforms for accountability rather than mere political rituals.
Challenges Ahead
Despite momentum, challenges remain. Political will is inconsistent, with leaders often prioritizing short-term electoral gains over systemic reform. Economic constraints limit funding for shelters and support services. Cultural stigmas continue to silence survivors. Activists warn that without sustained pressure, GBVF risks being relegated to symbolic rhetoric rather than actionable policy.
The Role of Voters
The Mandela Foundation’s message is clear: voters must interrogate candidates, demand commitments, and hold leaders accountable after elections. This requires a shift in mindset—from viewing voting as the end of civic duty to seeing it as the beginning of activism. Citizens are urged to attend community meetings, monitor government programs, and challenge failures in service delivery.
Broader Implications
The Foundation’s intervention resonates beyond GBVF. It reflects a broader struggle for democratic deepening in South Africa, where corruption, inequality, and weak institutions undermine trust. By linking activism to elections, the Foundation underscores that democracy thrives only when citizens actively defend their rights.
Conclusion
As South Africa heads into local government elections, the Mandela Foundation’s call serves as a rallying cry for activism under politics. Gender-based violence is not just a social crisis but a political one, demanding accountability, reform, and sustained citizen engagement. The ballot box is a starting point, not an endpoint. For democracy to deliver justice and safety, South Africans must embrace activism as a permanent civic duty.
