Gender-based violence in South Africa: Can men end the crisis?

Gender-based violence in South Africa has reached a breaking point after 12 women were found dead in Ekurhuleni in just three months. With 569 women murdered between April and June, averaging six deaths daily, President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged government failures. Amidst this surge in femicide, the non-profit Father A Nation is engaging men in informal settlements to promote positive masculinity and personal accountability. This article examines the scale of the violence, the community response, and the efforts to reshape male identity.

How severe is the crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa?

The scale of violence against women in South Africa is reflected in staggering mortality and assault statistics. Between April and June of this year, the country recorded 5,427 murders in total. Within that specific three-month window, the South African Human Rights Commission reported that 569 women were killed, which equates to an average of six female deaths every single day. Furthermore, 1,052 women survived attempted murders during the same period.

The systemic nature of this issue was highlighted by a 2022 report from the Human Sciences Research Council, which found that more than 35% of South African women have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence. A significant portion of these attacks is perpetrated by intimate partners, complicating the safety of women within their own homes and relationships.

The Ekurhuleni femicide surge

The recent discovery of 12 women's bodies in the Ekurhuleni area, near Johannesburg, has served as a grim catalyst for renewed national anger. While police have not officially confirmed a serial killer investigation, they have not ruled out potential links between these specific deaths. This spate of killings has left communities in a state of high alert and profound fear.

What is Father A Nation doing to combat this violence?

Father A Nation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the root causes of violence by working directly with men and boys to foster positive masculinity. The group operates across South Africa, implementing training programmes in various schools and colleges to reshape how men perceive their roles in society. The organisation’s approach is divided into two distinct developmental phases designed to facilitate long-term behavioural change.

The first phase focuses on emotional processing, where men are encouraged to talk openly about their feelings and experiences. According to Craig Wilkinson, the founder of the group, this stage is essential for psychological healing. Once this foundation is established, the second phase involves formal teaching and training in positive masculinity. The ultimate objective is to empower men to act as a "powerful force for good" and to eliminate the scourge of gender-based violence through cultural shifts.

How are local men responding to the call for accountability?

In informal settlements like Organic Market in Johannesburg, men are beginning to engage in difficult conversations about their contributions to the cycle of violence. These community gatherings often take place in makeshift settings, such as dust-filled streets or near local taverns, where men gather to listen to local organisers. These discussions aim to move men from being bystanders or perpetrators to becoming active protectors of their communities.

Participants like Kgomotso Mathekga, 30, have shared personal admissions of past violence and the subsequent loss of family connections. Mathekga noted that the lack of positive role models—due to many fathers and uncles being incarcerated—has left a vacuum that men must now fill. By acknowledging their mistakes and the pain they have caused, these men are attempting to restore dignity to their communities and establish new standards of conduct.

The role of community organisers

Local leaders like Itumeleng Stephen Tamaga, known as "Bra Steve," act as the frontline for these interventions. By rallying men to stand together against femicide, these organisers attempt to build a sense of collective responsibility. They argue that if men would not tolerate violence against their own mothers or daughters, they must extend that same standard of protection to all women in their society.

What is the impact of this violence on women's daily lives?

The pervasive atmosphere of fear caused by frequent murders and assaults has fundamentally altered how women navigate public spaces. In areas where security is minimal, such as informal settlements, women report feeling constant anxiety regarding their physical safety. The threat of kidnapping or sudden assault makes even routine activities feel hazardous.

Women in these communities have described the terror of walking alone or noticing a vehicle following them. This fear has led to significant changes in daily habits; for instance, some women now exclusively use e-hailing taxis to avoid walking, even if it presents a financial burden. The lack of trust extends to the community itself, as the uncertainty surrounding recent murders makes it difficult for women to know whom to rely on for safety.

How is the South African government responding to the crisis?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly admitted that the government's efforts to protect women have been insufficient. In response to the growing outcry, the administration has announced several measures intended to improve women's safety and address the backlog of justice. These measures include improving street lighting in high-risk areas and conducting a comprehensive review of unsolved criminal cases.

However, these interventions have met with criticism from community organisers. Zizipho Mtwesi, a project co-ordinator for Father A Nation, has described the government's recent actions as "too little, too late." Activists argue that while infrastructure and legal reviews are necessary, the focus must also remain on preventative measures and early intervention with men before violence escalates into murder.

Frequently asked questions

What are the current murder statistics for women in South Africa?

Between April and June of this year, 569 women were killed in South Africa, representing an average of six deaths per day. This data comes from the South African Human Rights Commission and is part of a larger trend of high violent crime rates in the country.

What is the goal of the Father A Nation organisation?

Father A Nation aims to end gender-based violence by teaching positive masculinity to men and boys. They use a two-phase approach: first helping men process their emotions, and then providing training to help them become positive role models in their communities.

How has the recent spate of murders in Ekurhuleni affected the public?

The discovery of 12 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni over three months has caused widespread fear and anger. It has prompted a national conversation about safety and led to increased suspicion and anxiety among women living in the surrounding areas.

What measures has President Ramaphosa proposed to improve safety?

President Ramaphosa has proposed measures including the improvement of street lighting to deter crime and a formal review of unsolved criminal cases. These steps are intended to address the systemic failures in protecting women from violence.

Why is the lack of role models a problem in these communities?

A lack of positive male role models, often due to high rates of incarceration among older generations, leaves younger men without guidance. This makes organisations like Father A Nation critical in teaching healthy masculinity and accountability to the next generation.

Key takeaways

• South Africa saw 569 female murders in just three months between April and June.
• The Human Sciences Research Council reports over 35% of women have faced violence.
• Father A Nation uses emotional processing and masculinity training to combat violence.
• Government responses include improved street lighting and reviewing unsolved cases.

The path toward systemic change

Addressing the crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa requires a dual approach: robust state intervention and profound cultural shifts within the male population. While government measures like improved lighting and case reviews are essential for justice and deterrence, they do not address the underlying social drivers of violence. The work being done by community-led organisations to redefine masculinity offers a necessary preventative layer. Ultimately, reducing femicide will depend on whether men can successfully transition from being part of the problem to becoming the primary architects of a safer society for women.