Thousands of women across South Africa and in neighbouring countries, Namibia and Botswana, took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the first day of Women's Month in protest against gender-based violence. The campaign tagline: My Body — Not Your Crime Scene.
Taking to social media, local celebrities shared their thoughts on and snaps of intersectional women's march.
"Idols SA" judge and singer, Unathi, shared a snap of herself wearing black alongside the caption: "Thank you ABUSIVE MEN of South Africa for forcing us start OUR month with THIS campaign! ENOUGH is ENOUGH! PS If you’re not abusive and yet keep quiet when your friends abuse women in your presence or you just know of it, you’re also TRASH🙄 MAN UP (sic)".
A post shared by Unathi.Africa(@unathi.co) on Aug 1, 2018 at 1:49am PDT
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela called support against gender based violence, branding it "a major thief of women’s freedom".
As we commence #WomensMonth, Let’s support the call for action against gender based violence. Violence is a major thief of women’s freedom and ability to live a decent life #TotalShutDown #TheTotalShutDown https://t.co/bnDEmadnyp
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 1, 2018
South African actress Bonnie Mduli also joined the march.
A post shared by Andile Mdakane(@magbyandile) on Aug 1, 2018 at 2:46am PDT
'The River' actress Renate Stuurman was one with protesters when she took to the streets sporting a red headwrap.
#TotalShutDown pic.twitter.com/SNVCLKt5yE
— Renate Stuurman (@RenateStuurman) August 1, 2018
'The Queen's Rami Chuene also marched in Pretoria.
Sitting down about to observe a moment of silence. #TotalShutDown pic.twitter.com/nkFOm5PWOM
— MADIKIZELA✊🏾🖤 (@ramichuene) August 1, 2018
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Singer Thandiswa Mazwai also took to her Twitter account to let fans know she'll be marching.
Are you marching today? Am getting ready! #TotalShutdown pic.twitter.com/x25uy06pdl
— KingTha (@thandiswamazwai) August 1, 2018
'Trending SA' talk show host, Pabi Moloi, marched too.
I love this moment. Thank you mothers for even mothering other mothers. Seriously... for you killers to think you can kill us off one by one is a downright mental disease. #TotalShutDown pic.twitter.com/2zjPjOkdwJ
— Pabi Moloi (@PabiMoloi) August 1, 2018
#Totalshutdown pic.twitter.com/lgOZGPPEii
— Pabi Moloi (@PabiMoloi) August 1, 2018