Students Stage Powerful Laydown Protest Against Gender-Based Violence

Traffic in the Steve Biko and Meyer Street area came to a standstill today as hundreds of NWU students participated in a powerful laydown protest, forming part of the national 620 Women’s Shutdown movement. The action, approved and coordinated as part of the broader Women for Change initiative, aimed to raise awareness around the ongoing fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.

A Moment of Silence on the Streets

Shortly after 12:00, students filled the street and lay down shoulder-to-shoulder on the hot asphalt, symbolising the lives of women and girls lost to GBV. The image captured, a stretch of road filled with motionless bodies, illustrates the emotional weight of the demonstration. Even in the midday heat, participants remained committed, forming a silent yet unignorable message in the heart of Potchefstroom.

The laydown lasted as part of the 12:00–13:30 action period, with marshals ensuring that the event remained peaceful and orderly. Many students wore black or purple, the movement’s official colours, and carried posters calling for justice, accountability, and protection for women across the country.

Traffic Disruptions and Safety Measures

The protest, which began around 11:00, caused significant traffic delays around Steve Biko and Meyer Street. Motorists were advised earlier to plan alternative routes, and campus security worked alongside marshals to redirect traffic and ensure the safety of both participants and road users.

Despite the disruptions, the atmosphere remained calm, with students demonstrating unity and discipline, an important reminder that protest action can still be peaceful, respectful, and impactful.

A Message Beyond Today

Organisers encouraged those unable to attend to show support by wearing something purple in recognition of the movement. The broader message remains clear: the fight against GBV requires the collective voice of communities, institutions, and individuals.

Today’s laydown was not just a protest but a moment of solidarity, a visual representation of student activism and a call for change that cannot be ignored.

#TheGoToGuy #WomensShutdown #WomenForChange #EndGBV #StopGBV #JusticeForWomen #EnoughIsEnough #NoMoreSilence #BreakTheCycle #PotchForChange

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