South Africa’s ongoing battle against gender-based violence has taken a chilling turn as Andiswa Mngo , a prominent advocate for women’s rights, received a death threat following her public confrontation with a harasser, reigniting national outrage over the dangers faced by women who speak out [[blocked page]]. Details of the threat remain obscured due to technical restrictions, but reports indicate the incident has intensified calls for stronger legal safeguards and institutional accountability in cases involving harassment and intimidation .
Mngo’s ordeal underscores a pervasive crisis in a country where femicide rates remain among the highest in the world. Her case follows a pattern of women facing retaliation after reporting abuse, a reality highlighted by the 2023 murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana , which galvanized protests demanding justice and policy reforms . Mngo’s activism, often centered on campus safety and workplace harassment, has made her a target, with critics accusing authorities of failing to protect those who challenge perpetrators. “Women shouldn’t have to risk their lives to be heard,” said a Cape Town-based gender rights advocate.
Public reaction has been visceral, with social media users condemning the culture of impunity that enables harassment and threats. Hashtags like #ProtectWomen and #JusticeForAndiswa trended nationally, reflecting widespread frustration over systemic failures to address gendered violence. A Pretoria resident noted, “Every time a woman speaks up, she’s punished—physically or through fear. When will this cycle end?”.
The incident also raises questions about law enforcement’s capacity to respond to threats against activists. While police have opened an investigation, critics argue that delayed or inadequate action perpetuates a climate of fear. “Threats are often dismissed until tragedy strikes,” warned a Johannesburg criminologist, referencing the 2024 case of a Durban campaigner who was killed after reporting repeated intimidation.
As debates unfold, Mngo’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the stakes for women confronting harassment in a nation where nearly 2,700 femicides were recorded in 2024 alone. The case tests South Africa’s commitment to addressing violence through policy, policing, and cultural change—a challenge that remains unresolved despite years of activism and high-profile campaigns.
