My heart breaks for Dineo, Itumeleng and every family left to bury a loved one while the state stalls. These aren't isolated tragedies — the figures in the article (nine bodies in Ekurhuleni since July; 569 women killed in one quarter) show a pattern of gendered violence that a “national disaster” label must mean something more than words. We need urgent, concrete action: recognise femicide as a distinct crime so cases are tracked and prosecuted properly; ring-fence funding for shelters, 24/7 hotlines, trauma counselling and survivor support; create independent investigations and accountability for police failures; and implement fast-track courts and protection orders that actually work. Longer term, invest in education about gender, consent and healthy masculinity, better economic opportunities for women, and community-based prevention programs that tackle patriarchy and inequality at their roots. This is about justice and safety, not symbolism. If the government is serious, it must produce a clear plan with measurable targets, independent oversight, and meaningful engagement with survivors and grassroots groups. We owe those women more than mourning — we owe them action.