{
  "id": 7785782,
  "title": "‘It is a scourge’: Santaco calls for collective response to Gauteng women’s deaths",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/it-is-a-scourge-santaco-calls-for-collective-response-to-gauteng",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T12:47:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/it-is-a-scourge-santaco-calls-for-collective-response-to-gauteng-womens-deaths/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has called for a collective response to the recent increase in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, particularly following the discovery of women's bodies in various parts of Gauteng. Santaco extended condolences to the families of the deceased and highlighted the urgent need to address this societal scourge. National spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala emphasized that GBVF is a national crisis demanding a coordinated approach from various stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, civil society, and communities. Santaco recently led a national anti-gender-based violence awareness campaign at the Kempton Park taxi rank in Ekurhuleni, sharing vital information with commuters and taxi industry stakeholders. Santaco president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe called for intensified efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and bring perpetrators to justice. The organization will continue using its platform, Santaco Women, to promote awareness and combat violence against women and GBVF. In light of the latest developments, Santaco is preparing for its fourth National Prayer Day in October, focusing on addressing pressing social issues such as GBVF, taxi violence, drug abuse, and road crashes.",
  "summary": "Santaco says the fight against GBVF requires a collective response after the recent discovery of eight women's bodies in Gauteng.",
  "key_points": [
    "Santaco calls for collective response to rising GBVF in Gauteng",
    "National spokesperson stresses GBVF as national crisis",
    "Organization prepares for fourth National Prayer Day in October"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}