South African men urged to confront violence against women
A Johannesburg organisation is working with men and boys to promote positive masculinity and reduce gender-based violence. Its meetings come amid renewed concern over killings, including the discovery of 12 women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni. Organisers say men must accept responsibility and become role models in their communities.
Men in a Johannesburg informal settlement are taking part in meetings aimed at reducing violence against women as South Africa faces renewed concern over femicide and gender-based violence. The gatherings in Organic Market are organised by Father A Nation, a non-profit group that works with men and boys on positive masculinity. Local organiser Itumeleng Stephen Tamaga, known as Bra Steve, told participants that men needed to stand together against gender-based violence and femicide.
Kgomotso Mathekga, 30, described witnessing men assault women and acknowledged that he had once grabbed and slapped his girlfriend during an argument. He said he now felt he had contributed to South Africa’s problems and wanted men to become better role models. The meetings come after the bodies of 12 women were found over three months in Ekurhuleni, near Johannesburg.
Police have not ruled out links between some of the deaths but have not said they are investigating a serial killer. Suspects in some cases have appeared in court. Figures cited in the report show that 5,427 people were murdered in South Africa between April and June.
The South African Human Rights Commission said 569 women were killed during that period and 1,052 survived attempted murder. A 2022 study found that more than 35% of South African women had experienced physical or sexual violence. Father A Nation founder Craig Wilkinson said the organisation helps men discuss feelings before teaching positive masculinity.
It operates across South Africa and runs programmes in schools and colleges. Women in Organic Market said they felt unsafe outside their homes. Organisers argued that government measures, including improved street lighting and reviews of unsolved cases, were insufficient without deeper community action.
They said every man had a role in preventing violence.
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