The Power of Celebrity Voices in South Africa’s Ongoing GBV Crisis: Why Speaking Out Matters
Editor's note: South Africa continues to grapple with gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, and the deaths of women, with communities demanding accountability and greater protection for vulnerable people. As celebrities increasingly use their platforms to speak out, their voices have become part of a wider national conversation about women's safety. This article examines why celebrity advocacy matters, how public figures are responding to the crisis, and why their influence must translate into meaningful action beyond social media awareness.
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Celebrities are using their platforms to demand answers
The recent discoveries of women's bodies in Ekurhuleni have once again placed South Africa's femicide crisis under the spotlight. Beyond the police investigations, the deaths have sparked emotional reactions from celebrities, influencers and public figures, who are using their platforms to demand answers and highlight the dangers women continue to face.
One of the voices that has joined the conversation is Rachel Kolisi, who reacted after the discovery of the 11th woman's body in Ekurhuleni. She highlighted statistics showing that 569 women were killed in South Africa between April and June 2026, alongside thousands of reported rape cases.
Her reaction demonstrates why celebrity voices matter. While statistics communicate the scale of a crisis, public figures can help translate those numbers into conversations that resonate with their audiences.
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When someone with a significant following speaks about femicide, the conversation reaches people who might not necessarily engage with traditional news reports or advocacy campaigns.
Male celebrities must also be part of the conversation
GBV is not a problem women should be expected to solve alone. Men, particularly those with influential platforms, have an important role to play in challenging harmful attitudes and encouraging accountability. Rappers Nadia Nakai and Toss demonstrated this through a joint video addressing the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni.
The pair called on men to take responsibility by challenging abusive behaviour, speaking against controlling tendencies and supporting women who report abuse. Their message highlighted that remaining silent when witnessing harmful behaviour can contribute to an environment where violence is normalised.
Such conversations are particularly important in an industry where male celebrities have considerable influence over young audiences.
Musicians, actors and sports personalities can use their popularity to promote respect, healthy relationships and accountability, helping challenge attitudes that contribute to violence against women.
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From emotional reactions to practical action
Speaking out is important, but celebrity involvement can extend beyond expressing sadness or anger online. DJ Zinhle's lifestyle brand, ERA, demonstrated this by sharing a women's safety guide amid the GBV crisis.
The advisory included practical suggestions such as sharing locations with trusted people, communicating travel plans, and checking in on friends. Importantly, it also emphasised that violence is never the victim's fault.
Similarly, Lamiez Holworthy questioned why women are repeatedly expected to adjust their daily routines to avoid becoming victims of violence.
Her response highlighted the difficult reality that women are being warned about everyday activities, including exercising, going to work, and visiting public spaces.
These interventions show how celebrities and their businesses can contribute to public awareness while encouraging conversations about community responsibility and the need for effective interventions.
However, safety advice should never shift responsibility from perpetrators to potential victims.
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Celebrities are questioning the response to GBV
Another important aspect of celebrity advocacy is holding institutions and society accountable.
Media personality Jackie Phamotse used her platform to express frustration with the state of the country and questioned President Cyril Ramaphosa's response to the crisis.
Meanwhile, Zanele Potelwa challenged advice urging women to remain vigilant following the discovery of bodies in Kempton Park.
Her questions raised an important issue: what happens when women follow every safety precaution but still become victims?
These reactions reflect growing public frustration about the responsibility placed on women to protect themselves, while questions about preventing violence and holding perpetrators accountable remain central to the discussion.
Grief must translate into collective responsibility
The emotional impact of femicide has also been evident in the reactions of other South African personalities. Poet Mzwakhe Mbuli shared an emotional response to the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni, reflecting the grief and frustration felt by many South Africans.
Meanwhile, Buntu Petse spoke about the additional precautions women are taking amid fears surrounding the killings. Broadcaster Bridget Masinga and Major League DJz also joined the conversation following the death of Elizabeth Moselakgomo.
These reactions matter because they remind audiences that behind every headline is a person whose life mattered, a family experiencing unimaginable loss and a community demanding answers.
Celebrity platforms can also help keep victims' stories visible after the initial news cycle has passed.
Influence comes with responsibility
Celebrities have millions of followers across different platforms, giving them opportunities to influence conversations beyond entertainment. However, that influence also comes with responsibility.
When discussing GBV, public figures must prioritise verified information, avoid spreading unconfirmed claims, and respect victims and their families. Emotional reactions can raise awareness, but misinformation can create unnecessary panic and potentially compromise investigations.
More importantly, advocacy should not end with trending hashtags, emotional videos or statements of solidarity.
Celebrities can support established organisations, amplify verified reporting channels, encourage men to challenge violence among their peers and use their platforms to promote sustained community engagement.
Their voices cannot replace effective policing, justice or government intervention. However, they can help maintain public pressure, challenge harmful attitudes and encourage conversations that might otherwise remain uncomfortable or ignored.
South Africa needs more than moments of collective outrage. It needs sustained action from individuals, communities, institutions and leaders.
As the country continues to mourn women whose lives have been lost, celebrities speaking out serve as an important reminder that women's safety is not merely a women's issue. It is a societal responsibility.
Privie Kandi is the Head of Entertainment at Briefly News, where she leads entertainment coverage and writes about South African celebrities, television, music, and pop culture. With extensive experience interviewing industry leaders and reporting on major entertainment stories, she is passionate about delivering insightful, engaging journalism that connects audiences with the people shaping the industry.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Briefly News' policies.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
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