'We have to do better as men': Siya Kolisi speaks out against GBV
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has asked South African men to rise up against gender-based violence, following the killing of nine women in Ekurhuleni.
The recent killings of nine women in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, continue to be a major talking point across South Africa.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has become the latest public figure to address the killings, calling on South African men to stand up and do better.
In a video shared on social media, Kolisi, who is currently in Australia ahead of the Springboks’ Test against the Wallabies on September 27, opened up about the country’s ongoing gender-based violence crisis.
“ I'd like to start off by saying condolences to all the families that have lost loved ones this week," he said.
He went on to call for action, saying South Africans can not simply sit back and act as though nothing was happening.
“Gender-based violence in our country has been going on for far too long. We can't just sit back and act like nothing is happening,” Kolisi said.
The rugby star also called on the country’s leaders to help men become part of the solution.
“To the leaders, help us. Help us be better men,” he said.
Kolisi also encouraged other male sporting teams and people with public platforms to speak out against GBV.
His comments come as police are investigating the deaths of the nine women. Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said "no stone will be left unturned" when it comes to finding the perpetrators.
"These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women," the president said.
Earlier this week, Siya’s ex-wife, Rachel Kolisi, shared her own message about the crisis.
The 36-year-old activist reflected on a protest she attended following the murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019, sharing a picture from the march. She recalled the moment when she and a group of people were shot at while taking a stand against gender-based violence.
"I took the first pic when we marched after Uyinene (@uyinenefoundation ) was murdered. I remember the president coming to address us with promises and then being told to disperse. When we refused we were shot at," Rachel shared.
She went on to share how that experience influenced her decision to be an activist.
"This was 7 years ago. Since then I dedicated much of my work to the GBV fight. And for the non profits doing the work the government is responsible for it’s so hard, specially because of the lack of funding and general support. I know it feels so so heavy for us. Let’s use this as an opportunity to support those who fight this fight even when it’s not making headlines," she wrote.
The photograph showed protesters holding banners, including one that read: “The only thing necessary for evil men to triumph is good men to do nothing.”
See the post below.
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