An important conversation about gender-based violence and role men can play was hosted at the Vodaworld in Midrand on 27 November.
The discussion, which was done as part of the 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of women and children, was led by Power FM radio host Aldrin Sampear, who called for complete honesty in the panel and among the guests in the room. The panel was made up of CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation Sello Hatang, former director of the National Prosecuting Authority Pumeza Mafani and gender activists Mbuyselo Botha and Nomboniso Gasa.
Human resources representative at the Vodacom Foundation Thando Mkosi said that Vodacom is taking a route in order curb workplace harassment and taking a stance against gender-based violence and will take on any measures to create a good and safe working environment.
He added, “When was asked to come into this conversation. I realised that it would add to developing a different perspective on gender-based violence. It is a vital issue affecting all of us.”
The panel discussion touched on various viewpoints on the topic. Former director of NPSA Pumeza Mafani said that when she started at the entity, they found that there was a struggle to bring the work of prosecutors into the community which affected the assistance that victims of gender-based violence received. She pointed out the inadequacies in structures such as the law enforcement and healthcare facilities and victims suffer even more.
Nomboniso Gasa said, “Men have to start by accepting, without being defensive, that they are the problem.
“I want to emphasise that for anyone who would like to address violence against women, you have to place patriarchy in the centre because it is the single most threatening thing to women and men.”
Gasa said, “If we think we are only dealing with individual behaviour then we are going to miss the point. We must understand that this is a political and social system that reproduces dangerous hierarchies of power in society.”
Mbuyiselo Botha added, “Violence becomes normalised in this country. The silence is predicated on the notion that the violence will only happen to someone else.”
Botha also said that South Africans should not be nursed during the discussion of gender-based violence, but should feel uncomfortable when having them.
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