South African men are organizing to combat gender-based violence after the discovery of 12 women’s bodies near Johannesburg, with groups like Father A Nation promoting positive masculinity and urging systemic change.
South African men are taking direct action to address the country’s escalating gender-based violence crisis, following the discovery of 12 women’s bodies in the Ekurhuleni area near Johannesburg. In informal settlements like Organic Market, men gather in meetings led by organizations such as Father A Nation to confront the root causes of violence and promote accountability, as activists and officials warn that police under-resourcing and cultural norms continue to endanger women.
Men’s Meetings Address Violence, But Systemic Failures Remain
In a dusty Johannesburg informal settlement, Itumeleng Stephen Tamaga, known locally as Bra Steve, leads a gathering of men discussing how to end violence against women. We must restore dignity to the men around
here, he urges, emphasizing that addressing gender-based violence requires redefining masculinity. The event, organized by Father A Nation, highlights a growing movement among men to take responsibility for their actions, even as the government faces criticism for delayed responses to the crisis.
I once had an argument with my girlfriend,
admits Kgomotso Mathekga, 30, a participant in the meeting, and I grabbed and slapped her.
Now I feel pain. We broke up, and I no longer see my child.
His admission reflects the personal and societal toll of violence, which activists say is exacerbated by police shortages, vacant detective posts, and corruption. Despite government pledges to improve safety, many remain skeptical. The latest measures are too little, too late,
says a critic, referring to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposals.
Femicide Statistics and Public Outcry
The spate of murders has reignited public anger, with 569 women killed between April and June this year alone, according to the South African Human Rights Commission. According to a 2022 Human Sciences Research Council report, over 35% of South African women reported experiencing physical or sexual violence, with many cases involving intimate partners. In response, women in Johannesburg describe living in fear, with some using e-hailing services to get around. Women in the area are living in fear, with many expressing concerns about their safety.
The government has acknowledged that it has not done enough, with Ramaphosa announcing measures he hopes can make women feel safer. However, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. South Africa maintains one of the world’s highest murder rates, recording 5,427 fatalities between April and June this year alone. Despite these challenges, groups like Father A Nation continue their work, aiming to eliminate the scourge of gender-based violence
through education and community engagement.
Conflicting Reports on the Scale of the Crisis
While the discovery of 12 women’s bodies over three months, in the city of Ekurhuleni, near Johannesburg is a focal point, sources differ on the total number of victims. A September 25, 2026, correction in a Deutsche Welle report noted that the bodies of nine murdered women were discovered in open areas near Johannesburg, though other accounts, including from Yahoo, cite 12 bodies. These discrepancies highlight the challenges in tracking femicide, with activists urging transparency and accountability from authorities.
Bra Steve, the local organiser, emphasizes that the crisis is not just a legal issue but a cultural one. We must restore dignity to the men around
here, he says. His words reflect the complex interplay of tradition, trauma, and the urgent need for systemic change. As the government faces mounting pressure, the efforts of groups like Father A Nation offer a glimmer of hope—but only if sustained and scaled.