In recent weeks, our nation has been gripped by the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly highlighted by horrific incidents in KwaZulu-Natal.
The killing of 25-year-old Ntobeko Cele by her partner, Sibusiso Ntaka, who callously posted a video of her lifeless body on social media, sent shockwaves throughout the country.
This brutal act should have served as a wake-up call, instead, we were forced to confront another tragedy when a 24-year-old man stabbed his girlfriend and their three-year-old son before taking his own life on the South Coast.
These events are not isolated, they are part of a larger epidemic that is deeply embedded in the fabric of our society. Despite our progress in many areas, the reality remains that women are still living in fear of their partners, often subjected to violence behind closed doors. We cannot turn a blind eye to this ongoing crisis.
It is imperative that we engage not only the government but also the private sector to tackle this issue head-on.
We need comprehensive and innovative programmes aimed specifically at educating young men on how to treat and protect women. This education must begin early and focus on respect, empathy, and healthy relationships.
Initiatives like workshops, community outreach programmes, and school-based interventions are essential for fostering a culture of respect and understanding among young men.
Moreover, we must create an environment that ostracises and isolates those who abuse women. Abusive behaviour should not be tolerated, and there should be clear societal consequences for such actions. Through collaborative efforts we can establish community norms that stand firmly against violence.
Men must be held accountable for their actions, and we must collectively work to dismantle the toxic masculinity that often underpins GBV.
To further eradicate GBV, we should promote safe spaces where victims can seek help without fear of judgement or retaliation. Support services need to be accessible and adequately funded, ensuring that survivors have the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Cape Times