Community Candlelight Vigil Calls Potchefstroom Residents to Unite Against GBV

Karen Scheepers
1 day ago
2 min read

The Potchefstroom community has been invited to take part in a candlelight vigil on Monday,1 December at the Potchefstroom Court. The gathering forms part of the international 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a campaign that highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide across South Africa. Local organisers encourages residents to stand together in solidarity, remembrance, and collective action.

Community Response and Purpose of the Vigil

The vigil aims to bring members of the community together to honour the lives lost to GBV and femicide, while also offering visible support to survivors. Participants are encouraged to raise candles as a symbol of hope and unity, reinforcing the message that violence has no place in homes, schools, workplaces, or public spaces.

Organisers describes the event as more than a symbolic gesture, framing it as a collective declaration that the cycle of violence must be confronted through awareness, participation, and strengthened community involvement. The gathering also emphasise compassion for survivors. many of whom continue to face long-term emotional and social challenges, and highlighted the importance of creating safe environments for women and children.

Connection to the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

The annual 16 Days of Activism campaign calls on citizens, institutions, and government structures to commit to preventing and addressing gender-based violence. The Potchefstroom vigil aligned with this national initiative by promoting community visibility, active engagement, and shared responsibility.

Speakers at similar events throughout the country often describe public participation as a vital component of change, noting that social transformation begins with community unity, open dialogue, and continued pressure for systemic improvements in law enforcement, victim support, and social education.

Community Solidarity and Local Impact

The atmosphere surrounding the vigil reflected growing concern about the prevalence of GBV within the region and across the nation.

By standing together, attendees reinforce the idea that combating GBV requires both immediate action and long-term advocacy. The vigil serves as an accessible platform for showing support, encouraging healing, and strengthening civic responsibility.

Final Thought

The candlelight vigil at the Potchefstroom Court today provides the community with an important moment of unity and reflection. As part of the broader 16 Days of Activism campaign, the gathering highlights the ongoing need for awareness, empathy, and collective action. The event carries a powerful message: in Potchefstroom, no one faces this fight alone.