What if something as ordinary as choosing what to wear could become a conversation starter about one of South Africa’s most painful realities?
That is the thinking behind SPAR’s latest call to action. From 2 to 30 October 2026, the retailer is asking South Africans to wear black every Friday as a visible show of solidarity with women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV).
The dates are simple: 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 October. However, the message behind them is far bigger.
For SPAR, the black clothing is intended to remember women whose lives have been lost to violence, stand alongside survivors and remind communities that GBV cannot simply become another headline that disappears from the news cycle.
“Every person deserves to feel safe and respected. Too many women continue to experience violence, and too many families and communities continue to live with its devastating consequences,” says Mpudi Maubane, Group Head: PR, Communications & Sponsorships at The SPAR Group.
Importantly, the campaign does not stand alone. SPAR says its broader EndGBV work includes prevention, survivor support and improving access to services.
Through its partnership with LifeLine, the company supports counselling services for people affected by violence. Meanwhile, its work with the National Prosecuting Authority has included support for Thuthuzela Care Centres, with care packs, toiletries and food provided to survivors.
Then there is the work happening in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal. Through Build it, SPAR is supporting the development of a new Thuthuzela Care Centre designed to provide survivors with a safer environment where they can access essential services.
At the same time, prevention remains part of the conversation. SPAR supports educational initiatives aimed at young people, focusing on gender equality, harmful behaviours, and recognising and reporting abuse.
And so, while wearing black may appear to be a small gesture, SPAR wants each Friday to become an opportunity for something much more meaningful: conversation.
That means talking about the attitudes that allow violence to continue, challenging harmful behaviour and looking at what individuals, families, workplaces and communities can do differently.
Men, in particular, are being encouraged to participate.
The October campaign will also lead into the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, which begins on 25 November. However, SPAR says the fight against GBV cannot be reduced to a campaign that lasts only 16 days.
“Wearing black is a symbol, but what it represents is much bigger,” Maubane adds. “It is a commitment to remember those we have lost, stand with survivors and refuse to be silent about gender-based violence.”
Ultimately, the black Fridays are about making solidarity visible. More importantly, they are about keeping the conversation going long after the clothes come off.
