Call to parents to raise men who respect women in light of rising violence

The appeal to parents and guardians is the necessity of raising more worthy men to improve society. A series of terrible events has occurred in the country, including the brutal murder of nine women in the Ekurukhleni area, whose bodies were found in fields, near roads, and in open spaces. The police are investigating to determine if these murders are connected, but have not yet confirmed the involvement of a serial killer.

The grim situation is exacerbated by the fact that in 2022, the death rate of women in the country was 12.2 per 100,000 people, which is almost six times the global average, equating to approximately seven victims daily.

During 2023/24, the police received 42,569 reports of rape, exceeding 116 cases per day, while it is known that many other cases were never registered. The National Prosecution Service recorded a 74% conviction rate for sexual crimes in 2024/25, but it is important to understand that this percentage only applies to cases that reached a verdict, not to all committed or even registered acts of violence.

The author argues that one cannot continue to question the state of society because such murders of women are not new in South Africa, and if changes do not occur, this will not be the last case. Although the president and public leaders will condemn these actions, and law enforcement agencies promise thorough investigations, such protests often subside until the next act of violence or another body is found.

What is needed are not just words, but decisive action from the government, the justice system, local communities, and most importantly, families. The author believes we live in a 'time without fathers' and calls on men to come home and work on themselves. Men should be taught that strength lies not in dominance, aggression, or control, but in respect, protection, care, and honoring the dignity of women.

An argument was presented that some mothers hinder fathers from interacting with children, but the author addresses fathers with a question about the seriousness of their intentions to be involved. He emphasizes that both men and women have the legal right to defend their rights, and there should be no more excuses.

Raising better men requires five conscious steps: presence that is not only financial but also emotional; demonstrating respect, especially when addressing women; teaching responsibility so that cruelty is not dismissed as 'boys will be boys'; teaching consent and emotional discipline from an early age; and healing internal wounds within the family, as traumatized people hurt others. This is a task for mothers and fathers, men and women. Love, discipline, boundaries, and values must return to families. It is necessary to raise people who build, not destroy; who elevate, not trample upon the dignity, rights, and lives of others. There is a call to speak, but then return home and do this work, becoming a protector, not an aggressor.

Siya Kolisi issued an emotional appeal to the men of South Africa to unite and take action against the crisis of gender-based violence in the country, stating that it is time to stop merely talking about the issue.

Speaking from Australia, where the Springboks team is preparing for a match against the Wallabies next week, Kolisi urged South Africans to combat gender-based violence following recent horrific murders of women in the suburbs of Johannesburg.

In the last two months, nine female bodies have been found in the Ekurhuleni region, some of which were located in the Kempton Park area. For Kolisi, this issue is deeply personal, as he grew up in the village of Zweig in the Eastern Cape and has previously used his significant public platform to highlight social problems, including violence against women.

In light of the new wave of horrors in South Africa, the two-time World Cup winner particularly appealed to men to take responsibility. In a video posted on social media, Kolisi stated: 'I always call on South Africans to stand with us during games, and now I am asking all South Africans to unite against gender-based violence in our country.'

He emphasized that this situation has lasted too long and is a daily reality, not just a headline fodder. Kolisi also called on other sports teams and athletes to use their platforms to fight this problem, urging men's sports teams in the country to speak out about what is happening.

Addressing the country's men directly, Kolisi said they must acknowledge and accept the fact that they are the source of the problem, and they urgently need help. He insisted that without receiving assistance, the situation will continue.

Kolisi strongly recommended that influential people, including podcasters and other authoritative voices, go beyond mere awareness-raising and turn their words into real action. He noted that raising awareness is not the only possible step, and he questioned how to mobilize people to help.

For him, change must start in everyday conversations between men. He stressed that this goes far beyond the news, and that the most important thing is talking with friends. He then made the issue intensely personal, wondering how he could explain the inaction of men to the women and children he cares about. He also mentioned that he is failing in his duty to his son by not improving his skills and striving to be better.

Acknowledging that he does not have all the answers, Kolisi expressed his willingness to use his platform to assist those who know solutions. He called on South African leaders to help men tackle this issue by creating conditions for education and self-improvement. In conclusion, he stated that he wants to be part of the solution, not the problem, urging South Africans, especially men, to speak up and act.