Cape Town - Mmusi Maimane’s political party, Build One South Africa (Bosa) has written to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) requesting that every male legal practitioner pursue at least one gender-based violence (GBV) matter on a pro bono basis on behalf of a victim of GBV.
This as the world observes 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
In line with the global campaign, Bosa launched an awareness campaign called #MadodaPhakamani, to initiate a process where men stand up and take action in actively ending GBV in South Africa.
Bosa deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster said: “There is a war against women in South Africa. A war on their dignity, their bodily integrity and ultimately their right to life. This requires urgent intervention beyond populist calls and public relations exercises by government ministers. We need real interventions.
“The responsibility to tackle GBV in South Africa lies with men. There is no shirking this. Men are perpetrators and often silent enablers. South Africa requires an open and honest dialogue with men to chart a way forward in raising the younger generation to have respect for women in the spirit of Ubuntu – that we see the human and the divine in others.”
The political party cited reported cases of GBV having increased 40% over the past year with over 190 cases every day in South Africa. As well as the 17 140 cases of GBV in the second quarter (April – June) of 2022, an additional 5000 more cases year-on-year.
“Victims require legal and other support to protect themselves and seek justice. Men who have the skills and expertise must stand up and play their part,” Hlazo-Webster added.
Along with legal assistance, the party is also calling on all South African men to practically play their part in tackling GBV by donating to or volunteering at organisations tackling GBV and calling out unacceptable behaviour by other men.
The party is also calling on the nation’s men to educate themselves on South Africa’s patriarchal culture, understanding, speaking about and practising consent. As well as modelling respect for women to young boys.
The LPC had not responded to questions by deadline.
Cape Times