Sandile Mahlangu's purple outfit honouring GBV victims resurfaces to widespread acclaim

If you’ve noticed a wave of purple profile pictures on social media lately, it’s not by accident.

Across South Africa and beyond, users are changing their profile pictures to purple as part of a campaign led by advocacy group Women for Change SA.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, urging the government to officially declare GBV a national disaster.

The colour purple has long symbolised dignity, justice and strength within women’s rights movements. In this campaign, it represents unity and solidarity with victims and survivors.

It also forms part of the lead-up to the planned “G20 Women’s Shutdown” on Friday, November 21, one day before the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

On that day, women across the country are encouraged to withdraw from all forms of work, avoid spending money and wear black to mark a collective stand against violence.

As the campaign gained traction online, a striking image of actor Sandile Mahlangu began circulating again - one that reminded people how art and fashion can speak powerfully against injustice.

The photo shows Mahlangu in a custom-made purple suit that honoured victims of GBV, a look he wore to the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ). The resurfacing of the image sparked widespread admiration, with many praising both Mahlangu and the designer behind the concept.

The photo, shared on X by user @AdvKindnes, was captioned: “Your favourite male South African actor could never, just saying.” The post quickly went viral.

Comments poured in with @I_AmPabi writing: “Whoever styles this guy knows what they’re doing. He never disappoints.”

@shamzy wrote: “He was ahead of time.”

@Samuh questioned: “Why is this not trending?”

Mahlangu’s suit was created in collaboration with local fashion label Imprint ZA, known for merging bold storytelling with contemporary design.

The garment featured a detailed purple print bearing the faces of GBV victims  - each one serving as a “symbol of defiance and remembrance.”

Among those depicted was Uyinene Mrwetyana, a university student whose 2019 murder by a postal worker, Luyanda Botha, became one of South Africa’s most tragic and galvanising GBV cases.

The inclusion of her image and others transformed the suit into a living memorial - one that walked the red carpet not for glamour, but for awareness.

The collaboration between Mahlangu and Imprint ZA formed part of a larger initiative called the “GBV Tribute Print”, which raised funds for Women for Change SA and other charities chosen by the campaign ambassadors.

A portion of the proceeds from the collection went directly to organisations providing support, counselling and legal aid to survivors.