Oziel Mdletshe is an HIV and Human Rights activist. Picture: Supplied
The festive season, traditionally a time of joy and celebration, has become a period of dread and trauma for many women in KwaZulu-Natal.
Factors such as increased financial stress, heightened alcohol consumption, and strained family dynamics during this time contribute to the alarming rise in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The alarming rise in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) during this time is not just a crisis; it is a tragic indictment of societal failure. As men in this province, we cannot stand idly by while this inhuman behaviour, perpetuated predominantly by men, continues to wreak havoc on our communities.
The recent spate of brutal killings of women in December alone is terrifying and deeply traumatic. These incidents compel us to reflect on our collective responsibility as a society. As a human rights activist, I find myself questioning whether our efforts to raise awareness and advocate for more proactive and stringent policies within our justice system are sufficient. The persistence of GBVF highlights the need for a radical shift in approach and underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of this epidemic, such as systemic inequality, lack of education on gender issues, and limited access to mental health resources.
The violent actions of some men are symptomatic of deeper psychological dilemmas. Many men, when faced with personal challenges, tend to suffer in silence. Unfortunately, when these challenges involve intimate partners or family dynamics, women often bear the brunt of their frustrations. What is even more chilling is the extreme lengths some men go to taking the lives of their partners. This behaviour is particularly heartbreaking because it is often carried out by those who were once trusted and loved.
As an African man raised in a community deeply rooted in traditional values, I am profoundly disturbed by this trend. Growing up in a polygamous family, I witnessed conflict among intimate partners, but never was violence or murder seen as a solution. Instead, disputes were resolved through dialogue, mediation, and the involvement of respected elders.
These traditional conflict resolution methods, grounded in principles of community and respect, could be adapted to modern contexts to provide alternatives to violence and foster healthier relationships.
In fact, African traditions have long upheld the principle of respecting and protecting women. In many villages, it was known that a man would seek refuge under the protection of a woman during local disputes because women were held in high regard. This reverence for women was woven into the fabric of our cultural norms and values.
Today, however, the behaviour of some men challenges these traditional values. The concept of male masculinity, once associated with protection, provision, and leadership, has been warped. Instead of upholding these principles, some men now resort to violence and domination, undermining the essence of what it means to be a man in African culture. This shift calls for urgent introspection and action within men’s movements across South Africa.
The escalating GBVF crisis demands a grassroots approach that reaches men in all spheres of society. Men’s movements must reconvene to develop community-based strategies to address GBVF comprehensively.
As men in KwaZulu-Natal, we must take ownership of this issue. We must acknowledge our role in perpetuating or allowing a culture that enables GBVF and commit to being part of the solution. This is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue that demands the active participation of every individual.
Our justice system also needs to step up its efforts to deter GBVF. Harsh and swift consequences for perpetrators must become the norm. This could include introducing specialized GBVF courts to expedite cases, implementing stricter bail conditions for offenders, and ensuring mandatory rehabilitation programs for perpetrators to address underlying behavioural issues. Survivors of GBVF should be given the support and protection they need to rebuild their lives.
The festive season should be a time for love, family, and unity, not fear and mourning. As African men, we must reclaim the values that once defined our communities, values of respect, empathy, and protection for all. Let us work together to create a society where women and children can live without fear, and where the bonds of humanity are strengthened, not broken, by the actions of a few.
OZIEL MDLETSHE I Higher Health
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media or IOL.
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