The short version
- Recent discoveries of multiple female victims in Ekurhuleni have intensified public outrage over South Africa's high rates of femicide and gender-based violence.
- Non-profit organizations like Father A Nation are holding community meetings to encourage men to take responsibility for their actions and promote positive masculinity.
- Critics argue that recent government interventions, such as improved street lighting, are inadequate responses to a deep-seated societal crisis.
A wave of renewed anger has swept through South Africa following the discovery of twelve women’s bodies over a three-month period in Ekurhuleni, a city near Johannesburg. This tragic sequence of events has reignited national debate regarding the scale and nature of violence against women in the country. The incident has prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to acknowledge that previous governmental efforts have been insufficient. In response, he has announced new measures designed to enhance safety for women, including improvements to street lighting and a comprehensive review of unsolved cases.
Despite these official announcements, many community advocates argue that the government’s response is both too limited and delayed. Zizipho Mtwesi, a project coordinator for Father A Nation, expressed frustration with the timing of these interventions. He questioned why action is only taken after such severe tragedies occur rather than proactively preventing them. His perspective reflects a broader sentiment among local organizers who believe that structural changes must be accompanied by cultural shifts within communities.
In informal settlements like Organic Market in Johannesburg, grassroots efforts are underway to address the root causes of this violence. Father A Nation, a non-profit organization dedicated to working with men and boys, holds regular gatherings in these areas. These meetings aim to promote positive masculinity and help participants understand their role in ending gender-based violence. The group operates across the country, running training programs in numerous schools and colleges while facilitating dialogue among men.
Itumeleng Stephen Tamaga, known locally as Bra Steve, leads one such group in a narrow street lined with corrugated metal shacks. He emphasizes the need for men to stand together against femicide and restore dignity within their communities. According to Tamaga, many men feel like a lost generation, lacking proper role models. By fostering open discussions, he hopes to help participants process their emotions and adopt healthier behaviors. The goal is to transform how masculinity is perceived and practiced in these neighborhoods.
Participants in these sessions share personal stories of regret and realization. Kgomotso Mathekga, a thirty-year-old resident, admitted to past violent behavior during an argument with his girlfriend. He described the physical and emotional consequences of his actions, including the loss of contact with his child. His testimony highlights the personal toll that violence takes on perpetrators as well as victims. Mathekga now views himself as part of the problem he seeks to help solve, recognizing the importance of changing his own conduct.
Craig Wilkinson, the founder of Father A Nation, explains that their approach involves two main phases. The first phase focuses on helping men talk about and process their feelings, which facilitates healing. The second phase involves teaching and training in positive masculinity. Wilkinson asserts that men can be powerful forces for good if they choose to act responsibly. He encourages participants to consider what kind of man they want to be and to prioritize the safety of women in their lives.
The urgency of these community efforts is underscored by stark statistics regarding violence in South Africa. The country has one of the highest murder rates globally, with thousands of people killed each year. Between April and June of this year alone, 569 women were murdered, averaging six deaths per day. Additionally, over a thousand women survived attempted murder during that same period. A 2022 report by the Human Sciences Research Council indicated that more than thirty-five percent of South African women have experienced physical or sexual violence, often at the hands of intimate partners.
For many women in these communities, fear is a constant companion. Linkie, a resident of Organic Market, described feeling unsafe when walking outside her home. She expressed anxiety about potential kidnapping or assault, noting that trust is difficult to maintain in an environment where danger seems pervasive. Providence Maseko, another local woman, echoed these concerns, stating that safety conditions are poor and that it is hard to know who can be trusted. These personal accounts illustrate the daily reality for women living in areas affected by high levels of violence.
While police have not ruled out potential links between some of the recent deaths in Ekurhuleni, they have not confirmed an investigation into a serial killer. Suspects in several cases have appeared in court, but the mystery surrounding the spate of murders continues to fuel public anxiety. The combination of official statistics, personal testimonies, and grassroots activism paints a complex picture of a nation grappling with a profound social crisis. As community leaders continue their work, the challenge remains to translate dialogue into lasting change.
The path forward involves both immediate safety measures and long-term cultural transformation. Government initiatives aim to address visible symptoms through infrastructure improvements and legal reviews. Meanwhile, organizations like Father A Nation focus on changing attitudes and behaviors at the individual level. The effectiveness of these combined efforts will likely determine whether South Africa can reduce its alarming rates of gender-based violence. For now, the conversation continues in streets, taverns, and community centers across the country.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗The South African men trying to end violence against women: 'Every man needs to play a part'
