BLOEMFONTIEN – The president of South Africa, Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa, is set to deliver a keynote address at the Free State government event titled Not in My Name Provincial Men’s Indaba, set to take place on Thursday 4 December. Discussions will be focusing on combating South Africa’s rampant scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The event will be held at the Lemo Green Park in Bloemfontein. About 4 500 participants from diverse sectors are expected to participate in the event discussions. They include public-private organisations, government, political parties, faith-based organisations, the sports fraternity, civil society and young men.
Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae said the event themed “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End GBVF,” called for a collective, society-wide response rooted in unity and shared responsibility.
“The indaba is a flagship event of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign. It aims at mobilising men and boys as active partners in the fight against GBVF,” she said.
According to Letsoha-Mathae, the participation of Ramaphosa is expected to galvanise support and reinforce the national commitment outlined in the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.
“We are deeply encouraged that Pres. Ramaphosa, a steadfast champion in the fight to end gender-based violence, has accepted our invitation to join this crucial conversation,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
“His leadership amplifies our provincial call to action and underscores the national priority of this issue. The Letsema spirit demands that we all roll up our sleeves, and having the president stand with us in Bloemfontein sends a powerful message that men are, and must be, a central part of the solution.”
“The indaba will serve as a platform to challenge harmful gender norms, advocate for economic justice for women, and promote safe environments in communities and workplaces.”
This initiative comes as reports on crime statistics flag the province as experiencing high levels of gender-based violence (GBV), with contributing factors including alcohol and substance abuse.
Statistics paint a grim picture
According to the SAPS crime statistics for the first quarter of the 2024-’25 financial year − April to June 2024 − the Free State had one of the highest incidence rates of rape per 100 000 persons: 20,7 incidents. The report also revealed sexual assault cases had increased by 4,4%.
South Africa has consistently been reported as having among the highest rates of rape and sexual violence in the world and has been described by human rights organisations as the “rape capital of the world”.
