Download PDFOn 18 September 2026, Learners from Elridge Primary School in Eldorado Park took to the streets, marching against gender-based violence (GBV). The march started at the school, supported by teachers, parents and community activists. The march aimed to raise awareness about the impact of gender-based violence on families and children in Eldorado Park.
The learners were dressed in black and carrying handmade placards with messages ranging from “Protect Women and Children” to “Stop GBV.” The learners stood at the roadside on the main road calling for an end to abuse and violence directed against women and children.
Eldorado Park is one of the places that has high numbers of gun violence and child neglect. The awareness action came at a time when the voices of community members are needed to speak out and resolve the violence non-violently.
Educators at the school said the initiative was part of teaching learners about their rights, safety, and the importance of speaking out. Community members cheered the learners on, with many saying it was inspiring to see young children leading the call for change.
The march forms part of ongoing efforts in Eldorado Park to promote safer schools and communities, as government and local organisations continue to highlight anti-bullying and GBV prevention in schools.
With the growing violence against women and children across the country, there is a need for urgent and sustained action. Women and children continue to face violence in their homes and communities where they should feel safe. This violence affects everyone, creating fear. Women and children are left to deal with these problems on their own.
After President Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence and femicide a natural disaster, there has not been tangible action to keep women safe. Today, nine women’s bodies have been found dead, chiefly in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. Women continue to face serious challenges in accessing protection, support and interventions from police and communities. The government has failed the women and children of the country.
Earlier in the year, South Africa hosted the BRICS summit. During the summit and shortly before, police visibility was high, proving that the police and the government can keep the country safe if that is deemed a priority. With battling crime and keeping women safe, the same kind of importance has not been attached to this need. Women, children, and communities are left on their own, and they have no choice but to organise for safer communities.
Community organising is not a replacement for the government’s responsibility and policing. The fight against anti-women violence needs collective effort to ensure the safety of our communities.
For the learners of Eldridge Primary, the message was clear: Enough is Enough.
This article was submitted on 19 September 2026. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
