Culture Craze
South Africa Turns Purple: Celebrities Join Online Movement Against Gender-Based Violence
A Digital Stand Against Silence
If you scrolled through social media this week, you likely noticed a sea of purple faces. From your friends to South Africa’s most recognisable stars, countless users have swapped their profile pictures for a solid purple shade. This simple visual statement is part of a growing national movement calling for gender-based violence to be declared a national disaster.
The campaign, led by advocacy organisation Women For Change, has struck a chord online. Ordinary citizens, activists, and household names are uniting to send one powerful message: the fight against GBV can no longer be sidelined.
From DJ Zinhle to Tyla: Famous Faces Join In
Among those showing solidarity are Bonang Matheba, DJ Zinhle, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Tyla, alongside a host of others, including Lerato Kganyago, Yaya Mavundla, Refilwe Madumo, and LootLove. Their purple avatars have flooded Instagram and X, amplifying the message far beyond South Africa’s borders.
Changing a profile picture may seem small, but in an era where visibility drives change, celebrity participation matters. Their involvement sparks conversation and inspires thousands more to follow.
“Every Single Day”
Musician J’Something, frontman of MiCasa, added a deeply personal note to the movement. After noticing his wife, Cordelia ‘Coco’ da Fonseca, had turned her profile purple, he asked why and was struck by the answer.
“Women’s safety in this country is something we can’t keep ignoring,” he said. “It needs to be addressed by you and me, but more importantly, by the leaders of this country.”
He went on to share a sobering reality: “It’s not just about purple pictures. It’s about recognising that every single day in South Africa, women are being attacked, abused, and killed. Nine thousand rapes were reported in just the last three months.”
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A National Call to Action
The online wave of purple isn’t the end of it. On Friday, 21 November, South Africans, particularly women and members of the LGBTQI+ community, are being urged to take part in a nationwide shutdown.
Organised by Women For Change, the demonstration will highlight the social and economic cost of gender-based violence. The protest date is no accident: it comes just one day before the G20 Leaders’ Summit, placing pressure on government officials and global leaders to recognise GBV as a crisis requiring urgent intervention.
Beyond Social Media
While some critics question whether social media activism makes a real difference, movements like this have proven to ignite awareness and accountability. In recent years, South Africa has seen a surge in grassroots campaigns that begin online and spill into the streets.
This one feels different. The purple wave isn’t just symbolic; it’s a collective outcry from a country tired of mourning.
Also read: Why South Africans Are Turning Their Profile Pictures Purple
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: iStock
