Actress and presenter Hope Mbhele made a strong and meaningful statement at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa 2025, using her outfit to honour the movement Women for Change. The prestigious event took place on 22 November 2025 at the State Theatre in Pretoria, and viewers across the country were able to watch it live on VooVix TV. The ceremony celebrated outstanding talent in South African film and television, with nominees announced in October and public voting closing on 20 November 2025.
Hope Mbele arrived in a striking custom-made outfit created by designer Sihle Masango, but it was more than just a fashion choice — it was a tribute with a message. On social media, she explained the meaning behind her look, writing:
“Today, for the National Film Academy Awards I step out in a custom Sihle Masango creation: A tribute to WomenforchangeSA.
In these past few weeks not only have our social media accounts turned purple, but so did our hearts. A resounding voice for the unheard voices of our communities against the epidemic that is femicide and gender based violence in South Africa.
As we enter the 16 days of activism against women and children from 25 November – 10 December 2025, we plead with the men in our country to join us and help break these cycles. To healing and a safer South Africa… the fight continues.”
Her post came shortly after thousands of South Africans took to the streets on Friday, 21 November 2025, in the G20 Women’s Shutdown, a national protest organised by the NGO Women for Change. The shutdown was held to highlight the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country — a crisis that affects countless women, families, and communities.
In the buildup to the shutdown, many local celebrities joined the movement by changing their profile pictures to purple, the official colour of Women for Change’s anti-GBVF campaign. Social media feeds across the country turned purple as a sign of unity, mourning, strength, and demand for justice.
Hope Mbele’s tribute at the awards ceremony added to this growing wave of awareness. Her message echoed the call for South Africa to continue fighting against femicide and gender-based violence, especially as the nation enters the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children from 25 November to 10 December 2025.
Through her platform, fashion, and voice, Hope reminded South Africans that while the fight is long, it is far from over — and every act of awareness matters.
