Every year, South Africa and the rest of the world come together with a unified voice to say no to gender based violence. From 25 November until 10 December, the United Nations campaign ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ takes centre-stage, to draw attention on the plight of individuals who suffer abuse, particularly women and children. It also provides a platform for global society to find common solutions, as we grapple with an issue that seems not to be abating and is a human rights violation.
It is against such an alarming backdrop that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is once again collaborating with social partners, who understand the gravity of gender-based violence and its long lasting effects on individuals and communities.
The SABC’s radio portfolio, through its power of audience reach and presenting rich and informative programming on issues such as GBV, has alongside the Department of Social Development, the Ubuntu Transformation Foundation, Lesedi Hotbooks and Sowetan Live, come together to launch the inaugural Men’s Fireside Conversations (MFC). This is in line with the national 16 Days of activism against GBV, focusing on the critical role that men have in eradicating the scourge.
As responsible citizens, South African men are urged to be part of this movement by visiting www.firesideconvos.co.za, to add their voice in the collective fight against GBV with the conviction of overcoming this scourge as a nation.
The Men’s Fireside Conversations programme also includes an important aspect of collecting no less than 1 million online signatures from South African men all over the world, through the ‘Sign The Pledge Against GBV’ campaign, by 7 December 2024. This is motivated by the President’s clarion call to encourage men to pledge against GBV and say enough is enough!
Every day, we encounter horrific stories of abuse, which show that the essence of our humanity is at stake, considering the alarming statistics of women and children who suffer devastating harm and some not fortunate enough to live to tell the tale.
As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, the 16 Days of activism against GBV serves as a stark reminder that true democracy and freedom remains incomplete, as women and children continue to face violence in their own communities and homes.
This year’s theme, “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children” aligns with the upcoming 30th anniversary of ‘The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025’, which according to the United Nations is “A visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere”.
According to the Commission on Gender Equality’s 2024 report ‘Towards a Gender-Based Violence Index for South Africa’, conducted in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), “Between April 2022 and March 2023 alone, a staggering 53,498 sexual offences were reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), with rape accounting for 42,780 of these cases”. This paints a scenario where women are under attack. The report further states, “Gender-based violence (GBV) is a public health concern and a human rights violation”.
The Council of Europe further drives the point GBV being a human rights violation, stating, “It is an unrelenting assault on human dignity, depriving people of their human rights. Freedom from violence is a fundamental human right, and gender-based violence undermines a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem”.
The SABC will continue to be at the forefront of providing a platform to the voiceless and lending a helping hand, as we recognise the power the SABC can play in changing and shaping not only the narrative, but the lives of millions of South Africans who rely on the public service broadcaster to be educated and informed on matters of national importance.
By: Vuyo Mthembu (Media Relations Manager)
SABC Corporate Affairs and Marketing
