South Africa declares gender-based violence a national disaster amid G20 protests

Women's groups welcomed the announcement on the eve of the international leaders' summit in Johannesburg

Hundreds of women gathered in cities across South Africa on Friday to protest against gender-based violence in the country before the G20 summit in Johannesburg this weekend.

Demonstrators turned out in 15 locations - including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban - wearing black as a sign of mourning and resistance".