Men lead Durban march demanding action on GBV

A march took place in Durban on Wednesday, led by men, to demand immediate government action against gender-based violence and femicide. The demonstration also called for stricter border controls, the preservation of the township informal economy for South Africans, reforms to the Road Accident Fund Act, and enhanced security in high-risk areas. This march was attended by various political parties, including ActionSA, MK Party, and the IFP.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) the previous evening, announcing four immediate measures in response to a recent surge in GBV cases, particularly in Gauteng. The spike in GBV cases followed the discovery of 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni since July. Xolani Zuma, the acting chief executive officer of SA First Forum, explained that the march aimed to convey a strong message to the government that the public is fed up with the killing of women and children. He emphasized that both men and women share responsibility in addressing this societal issue.

Zuma stated that men must lead the march, as it is not solely men who are responsible for the killings of women; rather, it is a societal problem. He called for practical solutions to the issue and criticized the president's proposed four measures, claiming they were insufficient to tackle the problem. SA First Forum also demanded strict limits on refugee numbers and the removal of all illegal immigrants within two years.

Zwakele Mncwango, a leader of ActionSA in KZN and a mayoral candidate, expressed support for the march, stating that the daily killing of women must cease, and physical and emotional abuse caused by men must be addressed. He questioned why men continue to engage in violent behavior, emphasizing that conflict is normal and should never justify killing. Mncwango urged men to take a stand against violence against women and children, breaking the cycle of abuse within their families and communities.