WARM BODIES AT THE WOMEN’S JAIL: A MOMENT OF MOURNING, REFLECTION AND RESISTANCE

Constitution Hill South Africa will host Warm Bodies at The Women’s Jail on Friday, 25 September 2026, a public vigil bringing South Africans together in mourning, reflection and solidarity in response to the devastating scourge of gender-based violence and the continued loss of life in our communities.

The gathering will take place at the historic Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill, a space that once symbolised the oppression and imprisonment of women under apartheid and today stands as a powerful symbol of women’s resilience, courage and resistance. Constitution Hill’s own historical record documents the imprisonment of prominent anti-apartheid activists including Albertina Sisulu, Fatima Meer, Barbara Hogan and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela at the Women’s Jail.

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said the gathering presents an important opportunity for society to confront violence against women while drawing strength from the women who came before us, “The Women’s Jail reminds us that women have endured injustice, oppression and violence before, and they have always found the courage to resist and to rise. Today, as we confront the devastating reality of gender-based violence, we must draw on that same courage. Warm Bodies is about standing together in mourning, in solidarity and in our shared determination to build a society where women and children can live free from fear and violence.”

The vigil will provide a space for members of the public, civil society organisations, human rights partners and stakeholders to collectively mourn, reflect and reaffirm their commitment to social justice, Ubuntu and a society free from violence.

The programme will include poetry, reflections from guest speakers, messages of support and hope, followed by 10 minutes of collective silence and reflection.

Among the speakers will be Dr Beverly Ditsie, an expert in constitutionalism, alongside representatives from the social justice and gender-based violence sectors.

PROGRAMME 11H30:     Arrival 
12h00:      Welcome – MC: Sophie Ndaba – Wellness Coach; Actress; Entrepreneur
12h05:      Opening Prayer – Rorisang Thandekiso; Presenter; Radio Host 
12h10:      Poetry Reading: Nomonde Sky
12h15:       Key note Address: MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa – Economic Development, 
                  Agriculture and Rural Development 
12h20:       Guest Speaker: Dr Beverly Ditsie – Human Rights Activist, Film Maker & Director
12h25:       Guest Speaker: Sasha Stevenson – Director of Section 27   
12h30:       Poetry Reading: Noxolo Desire
12h35:       Silent Memorial of reflection and mourning
12h40:       Amnesty International SA : A flower for remembrance
12h45:       11 Minutes of meditation with Mama Itta

This is a call to come together! South Africa continues to face the devastating scourge of gender-based violence. The recent multiple murders in our country have left communities grieving, anxious and searching for spaces of collective expression, solidarity and healing. The Women’s jail at Constitution Hill, once stood as a symbol of oppression and brutality to women, it stands today as a symbol of feminine resilience and echoes the strong voices of Powerful Women.

Act in solidarity and gather on 25 September from 12 to 2pm at The Women’s Jail at ConHill.

PLEASE share a message of support by adding yours now: CLICK HERE

#StandUp4HumanRights #ActInSolidarity #VisitConHill #EndFemicide #StopGBV
 
Details are as follows:
Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
Time: 12h00 – 14h00
Media arrival: 11h30
Venue: The Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

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