South African President Calls on Men to Speak Up on Gender‑based Violence

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent address to the nation placed a stark spotlight on a crisis that has gripped South Africa: a surge of gender‑based violence that has left families shattered and communities demanding action. In his speech, Ramaphosa directly appealed to men, urging them to speak up gender violence and take responsibility for protecting women and girls. The call comes amid a wave of killings that has sparked widespread anger at authorities and renewed demands for concrete measures.

Why the President’s Appeal Matters

Ramaphosa’s appeal is significant for several reasons. First, it signals a shift from purely legislative solutions to a broader cultural strategy that engages men as allies. Second, it aligns with a growing global consensus that ending gender‑based violence requires the participation of all genders, not just victims and law‑enforcement agencies. Finally, the President’s words carry weight in a country where political leadership often sets the tone for public discourse.

In the weeks leading up to the address, South Africa experienced a series of high‑profile murders of women, prompting protests in major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Community groups, NGOs, and activists demanded accountability, and the public outcry forced the government to respond swiftly. By calling on men to speak up gender violence, Ramaphosa is attempting to harness the power of community pressure to complement official policy.

New Measures Announced by the Presidency

Alongside his appeal, Ramaphosa announced a package of measures designed to strengthen protection for women and improve investigative capacity. These include:

• Increased funding for specialised gender‑based violence units within the South African Police Service (SAPS), aimed at faster response times and better forensic support.
• Expanded victim‑support services, such as 24‑hour hotlines, safe houses, and counselling centres, particularly in rural provinces where access has historically been limited.
• Mandatory training for police officers on trauma‑informed interviewing techniques, ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity and that evidence is preserved.
• Community outreach programmes that partner with local faith groups, schools, and sports clubs to promote healthy masculinity and bystander intervention.

These initiatives are intended to address both the immediate safety concerns and the longer‑term cultural attitudes that enable violence. While funding allocations have yet to be disclosed, the President emphasized that the budget will be drawn from the national treasury’s 2026‑2027 fiscal plan.

Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges

Gender‑based violence is not a new problem in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, the country has grappled with high rates of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and femicide. Historical data shows that women are disproportionately affected, with one in three women reporting some form of abuse in their lifetime. However, the recent spike in killings has intensified scrutiny on how the state responds.

Past reforms, such as the 2015 Domestic Violence Act amendments and the establishment of the National Register for Sex Offenders, have yielded mixed results. Critics argue that implementation gaps, under‑resourced police units, and societal stigma continue to hinder progress. The President’s current strategy seeks to bridge these gaps by integrating community‑led initiatives with formal law‑enforcement mechanisms.

International Perspectives and Lessons for Other Nations

While the article focuses on South Africa, the issue resonates globally. Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have launched similar campaigns encouraging men to intervene and speak out against violence. In 2024, the United Nations released a report highlighting the importance of male allyship in achieving gender equality, a principle echoed in Ramaphosa’s address.

For nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, where gender‑based violence also remains pervasive, South Africa’s approach offers a potential model. By combining policy reforms with community engagement, governments can create a multi‑layered response that addresses both symptoms and root causes.

How Communities Can Respond

Ramaphosa’s call to men is not merely rhetorical; it demands concrete action at the grassroots level. Community members can contribute in several ways:

1. Start dialogue in workplaces, schools, and social groups about what constitutes respectful behavior and how to challenge harmful norms.
2. Participate in training sessions offered by NGOs that teach bystander intervention techniques, helping individuals recognize and safely intervene in potentially violent situations.
3. Support survivors by volunteering at safe houses, donating to crisis helplines, or simply offering a listening ear without judgment.
4. Advocate for accountability by monitoring police response times, filing complaints when protocols are not followed, and demanding transparency from local authorities.

These steps reinforce the message that ending gender‑based violence is a shared responsibility, not solely the burden of victims or the state.

Practical Examples of Male Allyship

Example 1 – Workplace Workshop: A manufacturing plant in Gauteng partnered with a local NGO to hold a half‑day workshop titled “Respect at Work.” Male supervisors learned how to recognize subtle signs of intimidation and practiced role‑playing scenarios where they intervened in real‑time. After the session, the plant reported a 20% increase in reported incidents, indicating greater confidence among staff to speak up.

Example 2 – Sports Club Initiative: A rugby club in Durban introduced a “Play It Safe” pledge. Players signed a statement committing to call out sexist language on the field and to support teammates who disclose abuse. The club’s captain later shared that the pledge helped break the silence around a teammate’s experience of domestic violence, leading to timely police involvement.

Example 3 – Faith‑Based Dialogue: A church congregation in the Eastern Cape organized a monthly “Men’s Circle” where male members discuss biblical teachings on respect and share personal stories of challenging harmful attitudes. The circles have become a trusted space for men to seek advice and refer friends to counseling services.

FAQ

What specific actions did President Ramaphosa ask men to take?

He urged men to speak up gender violence by challenging sexist jokes, intervening when they witness harassment, and supporting survivors through active listening and advocacy.

How will the new funding for police units be allocated?

The budget will be drawn from the 2026‑2027 national treasury plan, earmarked for training, equipment, and additional staffing of specialised gender‑based violence units across all provinces.

Are there any international partnerships involved in South Africa’s new strategy?

While the announcement focused on domestic measures, the government has expressed interest in collaborating with UN agencies and regional bodies to share best practices and technical expertise.

How can men safely intervene in a public harassment situation?

Experts recommend a three‑step approach: (1) assess personal safety, (2) create a distraction—such as asking the target a question—to interrupt the aggressor, and (3) offer support to the person affected, including calling emergency services if needed.

What resources are available for men who want training?

Several NGOs, including the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Network and local university outreach programs, provide free or low‑cost workshops on bystander intervention, healthy masculinity, and trauma‑informed communication.

For the full details of President Ramaphosa’s speech and the announced measures, see the original report from The Guardian.

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