1 MILLION MEN TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST GBV: FIRESIDE CONVERSATIONS LAUNCHES DECEMBER 7

• The Department of Social Development and Ubuntu Transformation Foundation (UTF) have launched a campaign to encourage 1 million men to sign a pledge against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with Fireside Conversations set to begin on December 7.
• The initiative emphasizes collaboration between government, media, and civil society, with key partners like the SABC and Arena Holdings committed to raising awareness and promoting positive male role models.
• Leaders from UTF, the Department of Social Development, and media organizations highlight the need for holistic approaches addressing underlying issues like mental health and substance abuse, aiming to create impactful, evidence-based solutions to GBV.

On November 28, 2024, in Pretoria, the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Ubuntu Transformation Foundation (UTF) responded to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to involve men as active partners in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). They announced a campaign to encourage 1 million men to pledge their support against GBVF, with the Fireside Conversations launching on December 7 in Willowvale, Eastern Cape. The initiative is supported by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Arena Holdings.

Ace Ncobo, UTF Chairman and creator of the Fireside Conversations, stressed the importance of action in addressing societal challenges. In his opening remarks, Ncobo stated, “When the President, who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of this country, gives a directive, patriotic citizens have no option but to respond—not in words but with action that displays their patriotism.”

Ncobo, known for his philanthropic work and distinguished football career, aims to highlight male role models who embody qualities like being present fathers, protectors, and providers. He emphasized the role of mental health and substance abuse as critical factors driving GBV. “Alcohol becomes a crutch, but the real issue is often untreated mental health conditions,” he explained.

Ms. Siza Magangoe, DSD Deputy Director-General for Welfare Services, called for evidence-based approaches to combat GBV. “Too often, we compartmentalize issues into separate blocks. Interventions must be grounded in evidence to determine what works,” she said. She highlighted the link between substance abuse and GBV, emphasizing the need for holistic solutions that address both issues. “Screening must consider all elements to ensure individuals receive appropriate support before their situations escalate,” Magangoe added.

Lungile Binza, Acting Chief Operations Officer of the SABC, reaffirmed the broadcaster’s commitment to combatting GBV through its expansive media platforms. “The SABC is Africa’s largest public broadcaster with a mandate that goes beyond profitability. Our platforms reach over 50 million South Africans daily, delivering content in all official languages. This extensive reach allows us to amplify anti-GBV messaging in ways that resonate deeply with diverse audiences,” Binza explained.

Echoing these sentiments, Lyndon Barends, Managing Director for Strategic Partnerships at Arena Holdings, underscored the media’s responsibility to address societal issues. He commended Ace Ncobo for leading the initiative and stated, “Often, we highlight the negatives in society, but we must also showcase positive role models and drive meaningful transformation. As part of this effort, we aim to contribute to transforming society into a healthier one.”

The Fireside Conversations initiative, involving collaboration between UTF, DSD, SABC, and Arena Holdings, will engage men across all nine provinces, fostering their active participation in combating GBV.

To watch the launch: https://dsdtv.org.za/movie/sign-the-pledge-against-gbv/

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

Issued by the National Department of Social Development