South Africa is confronting escalating concerns about violence against women following the discovery of 12 female bodies in Ekurhuleni over a three-month period. The cases have reignited national discussions about what many characterize as a crisis of femicide and gender-based violence in the country. According to data from the South African Human Rights Commission, 569 women were killed between April and June this year alone, averaging six deaths per day, with an additional 1,052 women surviving attempted murder during the same period. A 2022 report indicated that more than 35% of South African women have experienced physical or sexual violence, frequently perpetrated by intimate partners.
In response to the escalating violence, Father A Nation, a nonprofit organization, is conducting community-based interventions focused on engaging men and boys in discussions about positive masculinity and accountability. The group operates throughout South Africa, delivering programs in schools, colleges, and local communities. In Organic Market, an informal settlement near Johannesburg, the organization has been convening gatherings where men discuss their experiences and work toward behavioral change. Founder Craig Wilkinson emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where men can process emotions and learn about healthier expressions of masculinity, with the ultimate goal of reducing gender-based violence.
Residents in affected communities, particularly women, have expressed heightened fear and concern about personal safety. Many report avoiding outdoor spaces, changing travel habits, and experiencing anxiety about potential threats. Local organizer Itumeleng Stephen Tamaga, known as Bra Steve, has been mobilizing men in the community to acknowledge the problem and commit to being positive influences. Some participants in these meetings have shared personal accounts of past violence and expressed regret, indicating a willingness to change their behavior and serve as role models.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged government shortcomings in addressing the crisis and announced measures including improved street lighting and reviews of unsolved cases. However, some community leaders argue these measures are insufficient and reactive rather than preventive. The organization’s leadership contends that sustained engagement with men before violence occurs is essential to creating meaningful change in communities experiencing high rates of femicide.
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