Collective Action: The Fight to End GBV Starts with Men 

By Precious Mupenzi 

• The Department of Social Development (DSD), Ubuntu Transformation Foundation (UTF), the SABC, and Arena Holdings launched a campaign to rally one million men to pledge against gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative aligns with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
• Experts highlighted the link between GBV, substance abuse, and mental health, calling for integrated, evidence-based interventions. The campaign aims to address these root causes while promoting positive male role models in communities.
• With plans to collect 1 million signatures and launch provincial chapters, the initiative seeks to foster lasting change, creating a culture of respect and accountability in the fight against GBV.

The Department of Social Development (DSD), in partnership with the Ubuntu Transformation Foundation (UTF), the SABC, and Arena Holdings, convened a media launch today to unveil plans to rally one million men to sign a pledge against gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative aligns with South Africa’s launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which began on Monday, 25 November 2024. Held at the SABC headquarters in Johannesburg, the session brought together media representatives, non-profit organisations, and stakeholders in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier call for men to take a stand against GBV by signing the pledge.

Findings from the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) first national study on GBV revealed entrenched gender norms and power dynamics, exacerbated by cultural reinforcement of traditional roles and a troubling acceptance of male aggression. Despite the existence of legal frameworks, GBV remains pervasive.

DSD Deputy Director-General for Welfare Services, Ms Siza Magangoe, stressed the importance of evidence-based approaches to tackling GBV. “Too often, we compartmentalise issues into separate blocks. It is clear that interventions must be grounded in evidence. Without evidence, how can we determine what works?” she asked, emphasising the department’s commitment to impactful and collaborative programmes.

Magangoe also highlighted research linking substance abuse to GBV. “Substance abuse is not the sole cause, but it is a key driver. Men under the influence are often violent, and women frequently turn to substances to cope with abuse, leading to addiction and stigma,” she explained. She called for holistic interventions addressing both GBV and substance abuse, stating, “Screening must consider all elements to ensure individuals receive appropriate support before their situations escalate.”

Ace Ncobo, Chairman of UTF and the brains behind the fireside conversations underscored the role of mental health in GBV, describing it as a primary driver alongside substance abuse. “Alcohol becomes a crutch, but the real issue is often untreated mental health conditions,” he said.

Ncobo advocated for highlighting positive male role models in communities. “In every community, there is at least one exemplary man. Showcase him and encourage young boys to emulate his behaviour,” he urged. He also announced plans to establish a “vault of role models” from townships and villages to inspire boys, especially those from single-parent households.

Ncobo introduced the campaign’s infinity logo, symbolising an unending commitment to ending GBV. “This is a 24-7-365 project. We will keep the conversation alive every single day,” he affirmed. Plans include launching provincial chapters in 2025 and delivering 1 million signatures to the President. “We aim to create a reality where it’s no longer normal to hear that another woman has died due to GBV,” Ncobo declared.

The campaign also seeks to revive values of respect and protection. The first gathering is set for 7 December 2024 in Ncobo’s ancestral home in Willowvale, Eastern Cape, where the Minister of Social Development is expected to attend.

Audience member Goddard Khitsane of Smukeliso Consulting highlighted the need for legislative reform to address drug-related offences and youth-related GBV. In closing, Ncobo issued a rallying cry: “We may not have been perfect, but we won’t wait to achieve sainthood before acting. Change starts now, and it will not end.”

The session concluded with an urgent appeal for men across the country to sign the pledge online and commit to combatting GBV in their homes and communities.

Men can sign the pledge on https://www.firesideconvos.co.za/1512-2/