Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


South Africa Mourns People Who Died from Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19

VOA News

   South Africais observing five days of mourning in remembranceofthose
   who died as result ofgender-based violenceand the coronavirus.

   The period of mourning began Wednesdayon the International Day for the
   Elimination of Violence against Women and 16 Days of ActivismAgainst
   Gender-Based Violence.

   MphoSempe, who lives inPretoria,said he and other men gather
   onceeverymonth to discuss possible solutions to the problem
   ofgender-basedviolence, which has been a plague in their country for
   years.

   South Africa is also in the grips of anotherburden,the coronavirus
   outbreak, which haskilled 21,083South Africans.

   South African President Cyril Ramaphosais callingon citizens to wear
   black armbands or other signs of mourning to signify and respect those
   who have died.

   Ramaphosaalsoorderednational flagsto be flown athalf-staffat various
   national key sites and government buildingsuntil November 29.

.