News24 | WATCH | 'Educate your sons!': Hundreds gather in protest against GBV and femicide

Hundreds gathered on the lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) on Friday.  

"We are tired. We have nothing left in us, and enough is enough," said Lesego Mahlangu, a representative for Women For Change, a non-profit organisation that organised the march.

Representatives had handed a memorandum of demand that included a petition of 150 000 signatures from people calling for the government to declare GBVF a national disaster.

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"We are trusting the Presidency to do something about it," said Mahlangu.

Placards declaring "End GBV now!", "Educate your sons!" and "We are the rainbow nation!" were held high throughout the demonstration.

Receiving the memorandum on behalf of the government was Deputy Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike. 

"I am here not only as a deputy minister. I also speak here as a survivor of gender-based violence," said Letsike

"Women, children and LGBTI persons must feel safe in our country, including men who are violated." 

She assured the crowd that the memorandum would be taken seriously.

"We accept this memorandum, and we are going to work with all departments, and we will respond accordingly."