DSD MEN ANSWER THE CALL TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Precious Mupenzi

• In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for men to sign the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) pledge, John Mokoele, leader of the Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Men’s Forum, shares his personal journey and ongoing commitment to combatting GBV, emphasising the critical role men must play in creating safer communities.
• Mokoele has championed the fight against GBV since 2004, advocating for accountability and societal change, particularly in communities where patriarchal systems often prevent women from seeking justice. He calls for a shift in attitudes towards abuse, urging that silence only enables violence to continue.
• Through his leadership within the Men’s Forum and involvement in community actions, Mokoele works to create spaces for men to address issues that contribute to violence and to encourage open dialogues about GBV. His personal commitment to the cause, particularly through the GBV pledge, exemplifies the responsibility men must take in fostering respect, equality, and safety for women and children.

In a resounding response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for men to sign the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) pledge, John Mokoele, leader of the Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Men’s Forum, has shared his personal journey and unwavering commitment to the fight against GBV. This initiative forms part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a global campaign running from 25 November to 10 December each year.

For Mokoele, the issue of GBV is deeply personal and a cause he has championed since 2004. “As men, we have a responsibility to speak out and take action against GBV,” he said. “In my community, we drafted a pledge to hold men accountable, encouraging them to speak out against violence and reprimand those who perpetuate it. Even in the workplace, I actively advocate for the protection of women’s rights through the Men’s Forum. This is not just a campaign; it is a way of life.”

Mokoele acknowledges the barriers women face when seeking justice, particularly in patriarchal systems where traditional dispute resolution mechanisms often fail them. “Too often, women are told to resolve issues at home or with their in-laws, which only perpetuates the abuse. This approach has cost many women their lives,” he explained.

He calls for a shift in societal attitudes, emphasising that abuse should never be excused or overlooked. “Abuse is abuse, and the law must intervene. Women must speak out and refuse to accept apologies that lead to a cycle of repeated violence. Silence only enables the abusers,” Mokoele said.

As a leader, Mokoele uses his influence to inspire change. “I have participated in marches against GBV, signed pledges, and spoken out even when it involved those close to me. Leadership means standing at the forefront and showing unwavering commitment to ending GBV,” he shared.

Through his roles in his church and workplace, Mokoele ensures that men are part of the solution. “In the DSD Men’s Forum, we create safe spaces for men to discuss their issues, which can sometimes lead to violence. Addressing these root causes is critical,” he added.

Mokoele believes that men must take an active role in fostering respect and equality. “We need to be real men who protect our women and children, starting with those closest to us. Men must ventilate their issues in constructive ways and attend anger management programmes where necessary. Joint forums for men and women are essential to openly discuss GBV and find lasting solutions,” he urged.

For Mokoele, signing the GBV pledge is more than a symbolic act—it’s a personal commitment. “The pledge represents my dedication to acting against GBV and teaching other men to do the same. I believe it should be displayed in government buildings and shared widely with young boys so they grow up understanding that violence is never acceptable,” he said.

As South Africa grapples with alarming levels of violence against women and children, Mokoele’s efforts underscore the critical role men must play in ending this scourge. His leadership within the DSD Men’s Forum serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring other men to stand up and be counted among those who reject GBV in all its forms.

“Together, we can create a culture of respect, understanding, and safety for women and children. It starts with us,” Mokoele concluded.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign reminds all South Africans that fighting GBV requires collective action. As Mokoele and the DSD Men’s Forum demonstrate, change is possible when men take the lead in promoting equality and protecting those most vulnerable.

Sign the pledge: https://www.firesideconvos.co.za/1512-2/