Siya Kolisi has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as a national crisis.
The Springbok captain says the announcement marks an important step but insists the country must now turn recognition into action.
His comments, made during the Springboks’ captain’s press conference on Friday, follow years of growing outrage across South Africa as cases continued to rise.
NATIONAL CRISIS DECLARATION GIVES ISSUE NEW URGENCY
Gender-based violence has gripped South Africa for decades. Rates of assault, rape and femicide remain among the highest globally.
Community groups, shelters and activists have long called for stronger state intervention. The president’s declaration places the issue on the same level as natural disasters and major emergencies.
Kolisi said the move was overdue, but warned that public statements alone are not enough.
“That’s big news, and it’s great that it’s finally being acknowledged,” he said. “Acknowledging, however, is one thing. There has to be a plan behind it, and we all have a part to play in it.”
KOLISI DRAWS ON LIVED EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITY REALITY
Kolisi linked the crisis to his own background and explained how the issue shaped his early life.
“I grew up in a community where it’s been a big problem,” he said. “You see it every day to the point where it has become normal.”
“I’ve seen it in my own personal life too, and back then, there was nothing I could do about it.” He stressed that normalisation remains one of the country’s biggest dangers. Many communities face daily violence with limited support services.
Kolisi referenced the work of his foundation, which partners with several organisations supporting women and children.
“There are many organisations in SA that are doing work in this space,” he said. “From the work with my foundation and the partners we have, there’s still so much to be done.”
He pointed to widespread marches and public demonstrations.
“I’ve seen videos of people walking in support of this,” he said. He believes greater public involvement can support long-term solutions.
Kolisi said his big platform gives him a duty to contribute and encouraged South Africans to support existing initiatives and push for stronger protections.
“Now I have a platform and the resources to do things to make a difference,” he said.
