The role young boys play in ending SA's GBV crisis

IOL News

15-06-2025

Exploring the pivotal role of young boys in combating gender-based violence in South Africa, this article highlights alarming statistics and recent tragedies that underscore the urgent need for change.
Image: Ai
Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to remain a critical issue in South Africa, with consistent reports showing high rates of violence against women and girls.
Most recently, the country was shaken by the murders of Wits University postgraduate student Mongale and 14-year-old Lukhona Fose, tragedies that reignited national outrage and reminded the public that violence remains deeply entrenched in homes and communities.
According to the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Study conducted in 2024, 33.1% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives. The study also revealed that 9.8% of women reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives.
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As GBV worsens, public anger also intensified after Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused were acquitted of rape and trafficking charges earlier this year with civil society organisations slamming the NPA for mishandling the case.
"The recent events in South Africa underscore serious flaws in our Justice System —particularly in how Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases are reported and handled. These failures are evident at every stage of the judicial process – from poor police responses and delays in prosecution to the inability to bring cases to conclusion – leaving survivors without justice, closure, or meaningful recourse". said Oxam South Africa.
Oxfam South Africa is a social justice organisation committed to tackling the root causes of poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence.
While essential services for survivors remain a critical part of the GBV response, many experts argue that focusing on prevention, especially among boys and young men is key to lasting change.
One organisation leading this preventative work is Sonke Gender Justice, an NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting human rights across the country.
One organisation leading this preventative work is Sonke Gender Justice, an NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting human rights across the country.
Image: Sonke Gender Justice
Among its initiatives are MenCare, which promotes involved and nurturing fatherhood, and One Man Can, which encourages men and boys to challenge harmful notions of masculinity and adopt more equitable behaviours.
"Young men and boys have a pivotal role to play in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in South African communities. Addressing GBV requires the active participation of all members of society, particularly young men who represent the future of our communities" said Josephine Mukwendi, Regional Programmes Specialist at Sonke.
According to Mukwendi the organisation also creates safe spaces for young men to talk openly about power, relationships, and what it means to be a man.
"Young men can also serve as peer educators and mentors for younger boys, helping to shape positive masculine identities from an early age. By demonstrating that strength comes from protecting rather than harming others and that real men resolve conflicts without violence, they can influence the next generation's understanding of what it means to be a man,"
Also working to shift behaviour among boys is Father A Nation, an organisation that operates in schools and communities with a two-part model: No Excuse for Abuse, which educates young men on the root causes and consequences of GBV.
Among its initiatives are MenCare, which promotes involved and nurturing fatherhood, and One Man Can, which encourages men and boys to challenge harmful notions of masculinity and adopt more equitable behaviours.
"Young men and boys have a pivotal role to play in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence in South African communities. Addressing GBV requires the active participation of all members of society, particularly young men who represent the future of our communities" said Josephine Mukwendi, Regional Programmes Specialist at Sonke.
According to Mukwendi the organisation also creates safe spaces for young men to talk openly about power, relationships, and what it means to be a man.
"Young men can also serve as peer educators and mentors for younger boys, helping to shape positive masculine identities from an early age. By demonstrating that strength comes from protecting rather than harming others and that real men resolve conflicts without violence, they can influence the next generation's understanding of what it means to be a man,"
Also working to shift behaviour among boys is Father A Nation, an organisation that operates in schools and communities with a two-part model: No Excuse for Abuse, which educates young men on the root causes and consequences of GBV.
"Men need to lead the fight against GBV so they play the most important role. Teaching, inspiring, and mentoring boys and men to live with positive, healthy masculinity is the key to breaking the cycle of abuse." Craig Wilkinson Founder and CEO.
Wilkinson also believes that the lack of positive role models in society also contributes to and exacerbates the scourge of GBV in the country.
"Poverty, lack of unemployment and most importantly lack of father figures also contribute to the scourge of GBV in the country, which is also what we teach young boys about positive masculinity"
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