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IOL News
12-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Why positive male role models are key to shaping boys and preventing GBV in South Africa
Father figures and positive male role models are key to addressing gender-based violence in South Africa. Image: Anete Lusina/Pexels As South Africa grapples with an escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), civil society organisations argue that the perception of boys who grow up without fathers as perpetrators of GBV is complex, emphasising that male role models—not just biological fathers—are key to shaping a child's behaviour and attitudes. According to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report, 64.5% of South African children do not live with their biological fathers. More than half of this group, however, live with other adult men including stepfathers, partners of their mothers, extended family members, relatives such as older brothers, grandfathers, and uncles. This Sunday, 15 June, South Africa will celebrate Father's Day and as society reflects on the significance of paternal influence, it becomes apparent that honouring male figures who provide supportive, nurturing guidance could be instrumental in changing the narrative around GBV. Jean-Marie Nkurunziza, MenCare regional programme specialist at Sonke Gender Justice, said the perception that boy children who grow up without fathers tend to be perpetrators of GBV is complex and multifaceted. The organisation said most of the research on fatherhood and caregiving suggests that the relationship between a father's absence and boy children becoming GBV perpetrators is not straightforward. 'It is influenced by various factors, including family dynamics, social environment, and economic conditions within various families,' said Nkurunziza. Nkurunziza warned that if this issue is not addressed, it will lead to more dysfunction and increased inequalities," he said. He said violence may be transmitted from one generation to another, leading to a vicious cycle and pattern of violence in society. Nkurunziza further explained that GBV can have significant social and economic costs, including increased healthcare costs, low productivity, mental health issues and reduced economic opportunities. Sonke Gender Justice emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV, including patriarchal norms, power imbalances, and deep-rooted inequalities, which is crucial to preventing GBV. Nkurunziza said promoting gender equality and challenging harmful masculinity can help prevent GBV. 'Providing GBV survivor-centred care, including access to healthcare, counselling, and justice, is essential in ensuring the well-being and safety of survivors by working with partners across the country.' Javu Baloyi, spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality, stated that this perception is not necessarily true. 'It need to ensure that boys have mentors. In some cases, lack of a role model in a father figure is somewhat linked to anger, being respondents, and worse, culminating in gender-based violence. The issue of absent fathers has to be addressed,' he said. Action Society stated that there is evidence to suggest that the absence of positive male role models, particularly fathers, can contribute to behavioural challenges in boys, including a higher risk of violence. However, the non-profit organisation cautioned against oversimplifying or generalising the issue. 'Not all boys raised without fathers become perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV). Many grow up to be respectful, responsible men.' The real concern lies not solely in the absence of a father, but in the lack of consistent, healthy male guidance and emotional support during a child's formative years," said Action Society. It said failure to intervene allows the cycle of violence to continue unchecked. 'Boys who are not taught to manage anger, process trauma, or respect others may become adults who inflict harm." According to Action Society, this can perpetuate high rates of GBV, absentee fathers, and generational trauma in families and communities. "South Africa is already in a GBV crisis and cannot afford to ignore root causes or structural failures in raising boys to be emotionally secure and morally grounded men,' said the organisation. Action Society believes prevention is just as critical as prosecution. Investing in the development of boy children is a national priority. Fatherlessness is a symptom of broader systemic issues such as poverty, incarceration, substance abuse, and social breakdown that must be tackled holistically. 'Blaming fatherless boys alone does not solve the problem. Healing our society starts with strengthening families, communities, and the moral compass of future generations,' said the organisation. The TEARS Foundation believes in self-determination, accountability, and responsibility. The foundation cited the Human Sciences Research Council, which found that more than 60% of children in South Africa do not live with their biological fathers, and around 20% only have contact with their fathers twice a week. 'Some people believe that boys who grow up without fathers are more likely to become abusers, but if that were true, we would have to believe that 60% of the male population is abusive. That simply isn't supported by evidence,' said the foundation. The foundation said there is not enough research to confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship between father absence and abusive behaviour. 'The truth is, the causes of abuse are complex. But complexity is not an excuse. Understanding these root causes does not take away personal responsibility or accountability for abusive actions,' it said. The issue of absent fathers is also complex, it said, adding that research shows that many absent fathers themselves grew up without present father figures. 'Breaking this cycle requires us to shift social beliefs. We must recognise that fathers do matter and that positive, present father figures who model respectful, morally grounded behaviour can help change the culture of violence we have come to accept,' it said. The TEARS Foundation stated that we live in a society that is 'hurting' and that if we do not address the erosion of shared values and the loss of moral direction, this pain will continue to grow. 'We believe the solution lies in rebuilding a society rooted in hope, healing, and human dignity. Change is possible when we choose to care, connect, and take responsibility for the world we're shaping for future generations.' Wessel van den Berg, Senior Advocacy Officer at Equimundo Centre for Masculinities and Social Justice, explained that a social father is a man who steps into a fathering role, engaging with the child and providing caregiving with the full knowledge and consent of the child's mother or guardian. 'Children tend to identify with men who they spend quite a lot of time with, and with time and consistency, these men could become father figures to them. So, a social father is really defined in terms of the nature and quality of care that a man gives to a child,' he said. Jaco van Schalkwyk, founder and CEO of The Character Company (TCC), a non-profit mentoring organisation focused on connecting 'fatherless' boys with vetted and trained social fathers, said social fathers are special people who, in the absence of a biological connection, must have a strong personal intention and commitment to make a good difference in the lives of boys. 'They need to be men who are driven by their values and can stand out as role models because of this demonstrable integrity,' he said. [email protected]
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Parliament to summon MacG after comments about Minnie Dlamini
Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. Macgyver Mukwevho, popularly known as MacG is set to be summoned to appear before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for his comments about Minnie Dlamini. Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. In the recent episode discussing Dlamini's relationship break-up, MacG made distasteful comments about her [Dlamini]'s private part. 'Bro, I'm telling you, man. There's got to be something wrong with her; maybe her coochie smells or something. You know this happens, man, it happens, especially with the hot girls,' said MacG. Letsike, said MacG's comments were nauseating in their vulgarity and must be regarded as an unconstitutional violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom and security of the person, equality, and human dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The deputy minister considers the comments to constitute online gender- based violence. According to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), this type of violence is 'any act of gender-based violence against a woman that is committed, assisted or aggravated in part or fully by the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as mobile phones and smartphones, the internet, social media platforms or email, against a woman because she is a woman, or affects women disproportionately'. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini breaks silence following controversial MacG comments 'There is no room in our democratic Republic for any misogynistic and demeaning utterances that perpetuate patriarchal iterations of gender relations. 'We are encouraged that within the ranks of South African society, we have persons who are sober in mind to call out abhorrent tendencies that are a distraction from achieving gender equality,' she added. Letsike note and appreciate the stance Moja Love channel took regarding MacG's comments. However, they call on the channel to act swiftly to ensure consequences for the utterances they have publicly castigated. 'The chronic trend will cease only as there are tangible ramifications on the hosts of the podcast, and all other content aired by the Moja Love channel that perpetuates GBVF, whether sexual, physical, financial, emotional and/or online.' Actions to be taken Letsike said MacG's comments will be referred to the relevant Constitutional and statutory bodies for investigation including but not limited to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), among others MacG will be referred to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to summon Mr Mukwevho to appear before the committee and account in line with Section 56 of the Constitution. 'Should Mr Mukwevho fail without sufficient cause to appear before the committee, processes to implement section 17 (1)(c)(ii) of the Act must be engaged and Mr Mukwevho may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment.' ALSO READ: 'Disgusting!' – Nkosazana Daughter slams MacG's claim about Master KG relationship Criminal case The deputy minister also explained that legal counsel on a possible criminal case of crimen injuria with the South African Police Service (Saps) will be explored, and as it may be legally plausible. 'As the Deputy Minister responsible for Women, a long-time advocate for gender equality, and a woman myself, I find Mr Mukwevho's comments reprehensible. This incident is not a harmless joke or casual banter – it is a harrowing demonstration of online gender-based violence. 'Women cannot be reduced to vulgar slurs and the objectification of the female body as this is a damaging reinforcement of gender- based disrespect and consequently violence.' NOW READ: MacG says his partnership with MultiChoice is 'a natural evolution' despite it being criticised as a lazy move by the broadcaster [VIDEO]
TimesLIVE
02-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Deputy minister Mmapaseka Letsike takes stand against 'online GBV'
Deputy minister in the Presidency for women, youth and persons with disabilities Mmapaseka Letsike says podcaster MacG's statements about media personality Minnie Dlamini were a violation of Dlamini's rights. Letsike said MacG, whose real name is Macgyver Mukwevho, speculated about the reasons for the break-up of Dlamini's past romantic relationships on his Podcast and Chill platform last month, implying her genital odour was to blame. 'These comments are disgusting and must be regarded as an unconstitutional violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom and security of the person, equality and human dignity as enshrined in the constitution,' she said. Letsike said she considered MacG's statements to constitute 'online gender-based violence' (GBV). 'What is alarming is MacG has a history of disparaging Dlamini and other women on the same platform.' Letsike criticised cultural history that allows shameful behaviour towards women such as an apartheid era statute that regarded black women as legal minors, commodifying women through lobola regulations and controlling women's mobility, sexuality, finances and labour, regardless of their standing in society as adults with autonomy and of sound mind. Government slams 'misinformation, racial hatred' around farm murders The government has strongly condemned deliberate acts of misinformation and promotion of racial hatred, especially on social media. Politics 1 day ago Letsike noted statements by the public and viewers of Podcast and Chill as well as the condemnation by Moja Love of MacG's disregard for women's rights and gender equality in his utterances. 'There is no room in our democracy for misogynistic and demeaning utterances that perpetuate patriarchal iterations of gender relations. We are encouraged that within the ranks of South African society we have people who are sober in mind to call out abhorrent tendencies that are a distraction from achieving gender equality.' Content creators should be accountable and responsible in pursuit of human dignity and ubuntu. 'Broadcasters must enforce strict standards that prohibit hate speech and personal attacks and regulators should consider whether measures are warranted to prevent the normalisation of GBV on the airwaves.' MacG's comments will be reported to the appropriate constitutional and legal bodies, such as the Commission for Gender Equality, the Human Rights Commission and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa so they can look into the matter, she said. The issue of harmful content on podcasts and streaming platforms will be raised with the minister of communications and digital technologies. The aim is to make sure content that spreads damaging gender stereotypes is properly regulated. Parliament's communications and digital technologies portfolio committee will be asked to look into strengthening the law so there is more accountability regarding harmful online content, especially content that puts women and vulnerable groups at risk. Letsike said MacG will be also referred to parliament's women, youth and persons with disabilities portfolio committee to summon him to appear before the committee and explain his statements. If he refuses to appear without a valid reason, legal steps could be taken against him, which may include a fine or jail time not exceeding 12 months, or both. Legal experts will be consulted to see if there's a basis to lay a charge of crimen injuria against him.
