Gender-based violence (GBV) is a devastating reality in South Africa. Every day, women and children are harmed or killed – and this pain is felt in families and communities across South Africa. At Food Lover’s Market, we know we cannot solve GBV on our own. But we can acknowledge it, talk about it honestly, and make it easier for our colleagues to reach safe, confidential support.
A moment of silence, a daily commitment
On Friday, 21 November 2025, Food Lover’s Market colleagues across all stores, offices and distribution centres will:
- Observe a 50-minute silence in the morning before the trading day begins, as a moment of quiet reflection for survivors and in memory of those who have lost their lives; and
- Join together at 12:00 for a one-minute silence across the country, pausing our work to stand in solidarity with those affected by gender-based violence.
These moments are not about performative action. They are a simple, visible reminder that GBV is real, that it affects people we know, and that we choose not to look away.
Our partnership with GRIT
To offer real, practical support, Food Lover’s Market has partnered with GRIT (Gender Rights in Tech) – a South African non-profit that uses technology to improve access to justice and support for survivors of GBV.
Through this partnership, our colleagues have free access to the GRIT app, which provides:
- A panic button for immediate help, with armed response dispatched and audio evidence securely recorded;
- A support map to find nearby services such as counselling, shelters and legal aid;
- A secure evidence vault to store documents, photos and other material for potential legal processes.
The app is confidential and free to use, giving colleagues a discreet way to reach help if they are experiencing GBV themselves or supporting someone who is. GBV is a national crisis, and many organisations and activists have been doing this work for years. Our role is to listen, learn and use our platforms responsibly – starting with our own workplace.
By partnering with GRIT, observing moments of silence, and continuing to strengthen our internal policies and support, we hope to play a small, steady part in standing with survivors and challenging the normalisation of violence.
If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, please know: you are not alone, and help is available.
GRIT official website: https://www.grit.org.za
