Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has called for a redefinition of manhood, urging men to take responsibility for ending gender-based violence and femicide.
Speaking at the first Men’s Parliament held at the Provincial Legislature on Thursday, Mabuyane acknowledged the deep crisis facing the country, with South Africa recording some of the highest femicide rates in the world.
The Premier said they were gathered to celebrate men's positive contributions in society and confront urgent problems that demand action.
With the Eastern Cape statistically labelled as the capital of femicide and GBV, Mabuyane said there is a deep crisis in our country and men must be the drivers of change.
He stressed, "True masculinity is not about dominance and intimidation but respect, responsibility, and protection.”
The numbers paint a grim picture: in just three months last year, over 10,000 women were raped, and 880 women were murdered—placing South Africa’s femicide rate five times above the global average.
Mabuyane said these statistics reflect a society at war with itself, adding that men cannot remain silent or complicit.
"This week we mourn the death of outstanding community and GBV/F activist Pamela "Maro" Mabini. We knew her as a selfless whistleblower, a patriot who was always prepared to sacrifice her life for others to be safe."
Mabuyane assured, "SAPS is doing everything to ensure that those involved are brought to book dead or alive."
He also raised alarm over the exploitation of young girls, citing that in 2020, more than 2,600 girls aged between 10 and 14 gave birth, meaning they were victims of rape.
He called on fathers, brothers, and the community to step up and protect young girls from predatory men who rob them of their childhood.
"Men must actively support women's empowerment and be allies in the quest for equality."
Meanwhile, Legislature Speaker Helen Sauls-August acknowledged that many men who were sexually and physically abused as children have, in turn, contributed to the abuse of women.
Sauls-August stressed the importance of convening men’s parliament to critically assess why, despite funding, policies, and laws, femicide and GBV continue to escalate.
She cited a Human Sciences Research Council study, saying its recommendations will guide education and advocacy efforts to promote a non-sexist society.
The Speaker emphasized that within its budget constraints, the Legislature will work with stakeholders to address key concerns.
"We need to build social cohesion. The issue of gender should not divide us. As parents, we must break stereotypes, and even in schools, we must speak out against bullying," she said.
She said tackling childhood trauma and substance abuse in perpetrators must be part of the solution.
Mabuyane also highlighted improvements in justice for victims, noting that in the current financial year, 119 life sentences have been handed down in 77 GBV cases involving 84 accused persons. However, he urged men not to become statistics themselves by engaging in violence.
The government has allocated R225 million over the next three years to fight GBV, but the Premier said such funds should ideally be spent on job creation instead of addressing preventable violence.
He concluded with a pledge for attendees to commit to non-violence, making a vow to respect women, support survivors and mentor the next generation.
Premier Mabuyane also called for policies ensuring free access to sanitary pads, stressing that a nation cannot thrive while women live in fear.
