March and March protesters call for urgent action on GBVF in Durban

Yesterday, men participated in a March and March demonstration in Durban, urging the government to take swift action against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The protest also addressed other concerns, including the enhancement of border controls, the safeguarding of the informal township economy for South Africans, reforms in the Road Accident Fund Act, and bolstered security in high-risk zones. Attendees included various political parties such as ActionSA, MK Party, and the IFP.

On Tuesday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced four immediate actions to combat GBVF: a nationwide case-recovery audit and delayed-case recovery initiatives overseen by the police and justice ministers; a 60-day plan to tackle forensic backlog and prioritize crucial samples; municipal safety inspections within 60 days to address environmental hazards and enforce stricter liquor laws; and a comprehensive legislative package submitted within 60 days to curb alcohol-related violence.

This announcement came after a recent surge in GBVF cases, predominantly in Gauteng, following the discovery of 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni since July.

Xolani Zuma, the acting chief executive officer of SA First Forum, noted that the current march is distinct, yet the issues remain the same. He emphasized that the urgency lies in the government providing an immediate solution to these killings, stating, "We took a decision that men must lead this march. They must lead this march because it’s not only men who are causing problems when it comes to the killing of women, but it’s a societal issue."

Zuma called for the march to serve as a message to the government: enough is enough, and practical programs to address the killing of women and children in the country are necessary. They are prepared to challenge the government through legal means, demanding stringent limits on refugee numbers and the expulsion of all illegal immigrants within two years.

Regarding President Ramaphosa's address on Tuesday, Zuma expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that the proposed four plans do not constitute a substantive solution to the problem. ActionSA KZN leader and mayoral candidate Zwakele Mncwango supported the march, aligning with the call to cease the daily killing of women and tackle the physical and emotional abuse instigated by men.

Mncwango urged men to openly voice their stance, recognizing that some perpetrators may be friends or family members. He stressed that violence against women and children is never justified and that men must lead by example, rejecting the notion that conflict ever justifies killing.