28/09/2026
Yesterday, the Sefora Ntombela Foundation, together with our partners, friends and supporters, gathered in Bloemfontein for our “Enough is Enough” Candlelight March and Prayer for the Lives of Women and Girls.
We marched. We prayed. We lit candles. We raised our voices.
But we know that this is not enough - Even as we gathered in prayer, our country was confronting yet more devastating violence. The discovery of an 11th woman’s body in Ekurhuleni in less than two months is a chilling reminder of the danger faced by women and girls. Police have not established that all these killings are linked, but the loss of life is horrifying.
This weekend also brought extraordinary bloodshed elsewhere in the country. At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings in Wedela and Lwandle, following another mass shooting near Durban days earlier.
South Africa has developed an unnatural relationship with extreme violence. We cannot accept murder, femicide and brutality as ordinary features of our national life.
That is why yesterday mattered.
It was a powerful demonstration of what is possible when civil society, government, faith-based organisations, NGOs and ordinary citizens stand together. We hosted a peaceful and successful march, candlelight gathering and prayer session united by one message: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. DOWN WITH GBV.
The Sefora Ntombela Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Dr Masekwane Masekwane and Prophetess Princess Masekwane of Royal Family Cathedral, and to our distinguished speakers and guests: Mamontha Motaung, Ntate Thuso Motaung, MEC of Social Development Mmathabo Hlalele, Thabang Motloung, Claudia Mini and Lomile Lithakong. Thank you for lending your voices, presence and leadership to this cause.
To our patrons, partners, volunteers, organisers, attendees and every person who supported the initiative: thank you. To everyone who walked with us, prayed with us, lit a candle, shared our message or stood in solidarity with the women