Potch community leaders call on men to protect women

Men in Potchefstroom are increasingly taking a stand against gender-based violence (GBV). Following the recent launch of the #YoubeforeMe initiative, more community groups have called for community action to stop violence against women.

Community leaders in Potchefstroom have called on men in the area to protect and respect women, and not physically abuse them. Ikageng community members took to the streets to march against GBV on Freedom Day.

North-West police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said men should always protect women, especially at night.

“Men should learn that no means no. Do not allow your female friends to walk or drive home alone but accompany them to ensure their safety. If you feel frustrated with your partner, resolve it without using violence,” Myburgh said.

Moitlamo Matshaba, secretary general of Ikageng Men’s Conference, echoed the same sentiments. “I encourage men to stop reacting physically, but rather seek professional help from psychologists and also attend programmes like those presented by Ikageng Men’s Conference. We we discuss issues that ensure that men are not abusers, but rather are the ones who come up with solutions,” he said.

Ikageng Men’s Conference is an anti-gender-based violence advocacy group based in Potchefstroom that aims to curb GBV, and abuse against women, children and men in general in the community. 

Tshepo Moopeloa (22), honours student in BCom economics and international trade at the North-West university’s (NWU) Potchefstroom campus, said men must hold other men accountable for GBV crimes. “As men we should stand up against men who treat women in unethical ways, be it abuse or rape,” he said.

NWU law student Allegra Bolukaoto (23) said men should be good role models for their children.“It is the man of the house’s job to treat women the same way that he would like his son to treat a woman. Children imitate their parents even though they grow up, subconsciously they pick up the same behaviours,” Bolukaoto said.

Professor Hayley Walker-Williams, deputy director of the School of Psychosocial Health at the NWU, said victims of GBV still face victimisation.

“Incidents of GBV go unreported as victims fear for their safety, being stigmatised and some have no faith in the justice system. Perpetrators are all about power and control and they may even continue to control and manipulate their victims from within prison cells,” she said.

Myburgh encourages victims of GBV to speak out and report cases of abuse and gender-based violence at their nearest police station. Myburgh said assistance will also be given to women to obtain a domestic violence interdict where needed.

Anyone who wants to report an incident of GBV can contact the following anti-GBV government hotline:

• GBV emergency line – 0800 428 428.