A march was held in Durban, South Africa, with hundreds of men participating, calling for urgent government action on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The demonstration also highlighted broader demands, including stricter border controls, reserving the township informal economy for South Africans, reforming the Road Accident Fund Act, and increasing security in high-risk areas. The march was attended by various political parties, including ActionSA, MK Party, and the IFP.
The march was led by March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, who emphasized the need for practical government action to address GBVF. The march comes after a recent spike in GBVF cases, primarily in Gauteng, where 11 women's bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni since July. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed GBVF, announcing four immediate measures to tackle the issue, including a national case-recovery audit and stalled-case recovery plans led by police and justice ministers.
SA First Forum acting chief executive officer Xolani Zuma stated that the march was different, but the problems remained the same. He emphasized that men must lead the march, as it's a societal issue that requires a collective effort. Zuma expressed frustration that the government had not provided an immediate solution to the killings, stating that they are ending negotiations and launching a legal fight to force the government to amend laws.
The march was supported by various political parties, including ActionSA, whose KZN leader and mayoral candidate Zwakele Mncwango stated that their support aligned with their call to say, 'Enough is Enough'. Mncwango emphasized that men must take a stand against GBVF, as it's a call to action for all men to address the issue. He mentioned that men are raised to respect women and children, not treat them as punching bags, and that no justification or reason can ever excuse killing women.
Mncwango added that if a relationship is unhappy or abusive, individuals should leave rather than resort to violence, as conflict is normal and never justifies killing. He emphasized that men must take responsibility for their actions and work together to address GBVF. The march aimed to send a strong message to the government and society that urgent action is needed to address GBVF.
The march also highlighted the need for stricter limits on refugee numbers and the removal of all illegal immigrants within two years. Zuma expressed skepticism about President Ramaphosa's recent address, stating that he did not hear any substantive practical solutions to the problems. The march aimed to push the government to take practical action to address GBVF and related issues.
The 16 Days of Activism against GBVF is an annual event, but Zuma emphasized that it must not be just an event, but rather a call to action for practical programs to deal with the killing of women and children in South Africa. The march and subsequent actions aim to bring attention to the urgent need for government action to address GBVF and related issues.
Key points
- The march in Durban was attended by hundreds of men and various political parties, calling for urgent government action on gender-based violence and femicide.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced four immediate measures to tackle GBVF, including a national case-recovery audit and stalled-case recovery plans.
- The march aimed to push the government to take practical action to address GBVF and related issues, including stricter border controls and limits on refugee numbers.
