South African celebrities are using their voices to speak out against gender-based violence (GBV) as the country grapples with the deaths of women whose bodies have been discovered across Ekurhuleni.
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The latest discovery was made in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on Thursday morning, bringing the number of women whose bodies have been found in the municipality since July to nine. Police are investigating whether some of the cases are connected.
The deaths have sparked widespread concern, with communities, activists and public figures calling for greater action to protect women.
South African celebrities speak out
Among those using their platforms to address violence are South African entertainers including Ashay Sewlall, Ayanda Makayi, Zanele Potelwa and Thandolwethu ‘Olly’ Zondi.
Their calls come at a time when conversations around women’s safety and GBV have intensified following the deaths in Ekurhuleni.
For Ayanda, the issue of GBV is not new. The actor previously executive-produced and hosted MTV Shuga: What Makes a Man, a documentary series examining GBV and masculinity. The project featured South African artists and aimed to encourage conversations about the causes of violence and how society can address it.
Ayanda previously said he was concerned about raising his son in a society affected by gender-based violence and called for people to reconsider harmful attitudes and behaviours.
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Violence against women sparks renewed concern
The latest deaths have intensified concerns about women’s safety in the Ekurhuleni area.
Police confirmed on Thursday that a ninth woman’s body had been discovered in Dawn Park. The woman had not yet been identified publicly at the time of the announcement, and investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
Police have said a multidisciplinary team is investigating the cases and have appealed to the public for information that could help identify those responsible. Home Affairs has also been brought into the investigation to assist with identifying some of the victims through biometric records.
President Cyril Ramaphosa previously said the killings had caused fear and uncertainty, particularly among women, and directed law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation.
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Calls for action
The deaths have also prompted activists to call for stronger measures to prevent violence against women.
GBV activists are urging South Africans to wear black on Friday as part of a mourning campaign, while calling for a more comprehensive government response to violence against women.
The growing public conversation comes as police continue to investigate the deaths and determine whether there is a connection between the cases.
While speculation about a possible serial killer has circulated widely, authorities have not confirmed that all nine deaths were committed by the same person or group.
For celebrities such as Ashay, Ayanda, Zanele and Olly, speaking publicly about GBV adds their voices to a national conversation that continues to demand greater awareness, accountability and action against violence targeting women.
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