In South Africa, the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to public sanitation has proven inadequate in addressing the unique needs of informal settlements. As these communities continue to grow, residents are increasingly seeking in-house sanitation solutions that provide privacy and dignity, moving away from communal facilities, which often lead to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of privacy. Addressing the sanitation challenges in informal settlements demands that we move beyond standard models to support varied, practical solutions.

The harsh reality: it is not working
Residents in informal settlements have a powerful desire for flushing toilets, which they view as a basic human right. However, the realities of informal living often make this expectation difficult to fulfil. The temporary nature of these settlements, coupled with the lack of formal infrastructure, makes it impractical to install traditional plumbing systems. As a result, residents must often rely on less desirable options, such as portable or communal toilets, or open defecation.

The limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach in meeting basic sanitation requirements is due to the specific challenges faced by each specific informal settlement. The challenges faced by informal settlements vary depending on their unique characteristics. Some settlements may experience severe infrastructure limitations due to their temporary nature, making it difficult to justify investments in permanent sanitation facilities like sewer lines.

Others may grapple with space constraints, limiting the availability of land for individual sanitation facilities.

Ground conditions can also pose challenges, as sandy environments may not be suitable for certain technologies like septic tanks, while high water tables may require alternative solutions. Additionally, the cost of providing sanitation services in informal settlements can be substantial, particularly when considering the need for specialised equipment and regular maintenance.

Accessibility is another concern, as some residents, such as those with disabilities or mobility limitations, may face difficulties in accessing sanitation facilities. Safety can also be a significant issue, especially for women and children who may be at risk when using communal toilets. The improper disposal of wastewater from portable toilets can have negative environmental consequences, such as groundwater contamination.

Facing facts and moving forward
Given the complexity of these challenges, it is time to accept that these communities are not going anywhere imminently, and that they have the same human rights as everyone, including the right to dignity which depends on access to clean, safe water and sanitation, another basic human right. There is a solution to every problem, if we are willing to look beyond the one-size-fits-all approach in dealing with sanitation for informal settlements. This means engaging community members in the planning and implementation of sanitation solutions to meet their needs.

The private sector already has a variety of in-house sanitation solutions, including portable chemical toilets, containerised pollution facilities, and in-house portable toilets. Although these options offer more privacy and dignity than communal facilities, they also present logistical and cost challenges. As such, a range of adaptable sanitation solutions must be considered within the context of the specific community. For example, compact in-house systems can fit into small spaces and offer convenience, while other options may require different approaches based on specific factors such as ground conditions, population density, and available resources.

Addressing the sanitation challenges in informal settlements necessitates moving beyond standard models to support varied, practical solutions.

Working together with a focus on dignity
Here, governments and private organisations must collaborate to support the development and deployment of adaptable sanitation solutions for different communities. This involves fostering open-mindedness towards alternative approaches and a willingness to keep investing in research and development to identify innovative solutions that can further improve quality of life. By working together, stakeholders can ensure that sanitation services in informal settlements are better tailored to meet the specific needs of residents and contribute to their overall well-being.

Tailored sanitation solutions can have a significant impact on the quality of life and dignity of residents in informal settlements. Access to private sanitation facilities will improve health outcomes, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and enhance safety. By recognising the diverse needs of these communities and investing in tailored sanitation technologies, governments, NGOs, and the private sector can ensure that all residents have access to dignified, effective sanitation facilities.

I think it’s deeply unsettling how social media has amplified awareness of gender-based violence in South Africa, becoming a catalyst in GBV cases and carving new pathways for processing these tragedies

Our digital timeline of national trauma unfolds like episodes in a series we never wanted to watch. In 2019, our feeds filled with images of Uyinene Mrwetyana’s bright smile as we learned of her brutal murder (Sokanyile, 2019). A year later came headlines about Tshegofatso Pule, eight months pregnant, found in Roodepoort (Shange, 2020). In 2023, we mourned Namhla Mtwa through painful updates shared across platforms (Maphanga, 2023). Now in 2025, our TikTok pages update us on Cwecwe Mhlangala as her family navigates her case (Cele, 2025).

These digital spaces have become forums of witness and pathways to justice where evidence surfaces and voices join in solidarity. Our platforms now serve as both everyday connection spaces and last resorts for families seeking justice when traditional systems fail them.

Through this wave, we’ve learned names otherwise lost to statistics – women whose stories reached us through hashtags, whose lives mattered enough for us to carry their memory from screens to streets.

The nature of digital activism

Before tweets and Instagram stories capture public attention, there’s always the raw reality of each case. A daughter, sister, or friend doesn’t return home, becomes another entry in the SAPS database. Those close to the loved one report to the police, complete forms and follow every procedure. And then, they wait

….And wait

……..And wait.

The Sonke Gender Justice annual report shows prosecution rates for GBV crimes remain under 8% (Sonke Gender Justice, 2024). These numbers represent thousands of cases where justice remains elusive, demonstrating how our system fails those it claims to defend.

Police responses follow a troubling pattern. Rarely is action swift; more commonly, what unfolds is what I like to call “institutional dawdling“- administrative slowdowns, procedural hoops, and a lack of urgency. This often stems from resource limitations: understaffed stations and exhausted investigators balancing multiple roles without proper training.

Other times, it’s the bureaucratic maze – reports disappear, cases move between stations, and families repeatedly provide statements that should have been collected earlier. Behind this lies the disturbing reality: violence against women has become so normalized that each case is processed with diminishing urgency.

I’ve seen it in the eyes of SAPS officers – that vacant stare communicating, “This is South Africa, what did you expect?” It can be subtle interrogations of victims’ choices or nonverbal cues insinuating “she was walking alone” or “she drank with these men.” This isn’t just indifference but what happens when people face repeated trauma without support. This flatline response occurs when violence becomes so common we grow numb to its horror.

The thread of collective exhaustion

What stood out to me about Cwecwe’s case was how quiet it was initially. It didn’t make breaking news, nor was it trending. For months, it was just another case among many – until her mother shared the story on a podcast, overwhelmed with piercing pain. Almost as if to say, “Say less” to her tears, the story emerged, and then virality did what it does best: it exploded. From TikTok to Instagram, timelines became flooded. You could post a dog, and someone would comment, #JusticeForCwecwe. It was relentless and unapologetic. It embodied digital militancy – raw and untamed. It felt as though something had ruptured deep within our collective spirit. We were no longer just angry; we were done. Even though we had never met her, we marched and organized, demanding justice with a deep ancestral voice. The internet seemed to echo the cries of every child who had been failed by the justice system.

It reminded me so much of #FeesMustFall.

What began as the #RhodesMustFall movement quickly transformed into a nationwide uprising. The digital space provided us with a platform to be seen and heard, validating our experiences and confirming that we were not alone in our frustrations. Universities that had never communicated with one another suddenly found a common cause, holding the same placards and demanding similar changes. #RhodesMustFall joined forces with #OutsourcingMustFall, which in turn resonated with #WitsFeesMustFall. #StellenboschMustFall discovered solidarity with #UCTShutdown. We were loud, we were united, and for a moment, we felt unstoppable (Booysen, 2023).

But movements are fragile things.

For every step forward, there were arrests. For every press conference that yielded unsatisfactory results from the government, there was a sense of demoralization. For every breakthrough, someone faced suspension, injury, or trauma. We occupied libraries and student centres, dodged rubber bullets, and covered our faces with cloths to avoid the sting of tear gas. We debated strategies while mourning the loss of our innocence. The bureaucracy wore us down. Meetings with government and university officials often led to no results, with promises of transformation turning into delayed implementations. Amid campus shutdowns, our only weapon were our voices.

And then, almost subtly, the resistance flickered. It didn’t happen in a moment, but through an accrual of small surrenders, we even sprinkled terms for it, ”Strategic retreats”. The fire we once all had, died, I recall looking at comrades, and myself thinking, what happened to us? Bodies that once stood tall at the frontlines of marches, singing ”Solomon” with so much conviction, now hurried across campus, urgently needing to catch up with lectures and assignments – rushing through campuses we had once rendered ungovernable.

I digress. I now understand and hold space for all of us: it wasn’t that we no longer believed, but rather that we had nothing left to give.

I see this happening now with Cwecwe’s case. The hashtags that once galvanized support across platforms have quieted. The daily buzz has slowed. People are posting their trivial content in peace, and naturally, the media has moved on to newer tragedies. This isn’t a betrayal or forgetting; it’s the inevitable rhythm of movements that demand everything from people who have already given so much.

I still carry the weight of #FeesMustFall in my body – felt in random moments of triggers, in the tightness of my chest when I hear protest songs, or when I witness the crowd pouring out to march for Cwecwe. I have noticed the weight in the eyes of those posting, organizing, and fighting for Cwecwe. It’s not just fatigue; it’s the crushing exhaustion of holding space for both hope and injustice.

We need to acknowledge this pattern not to justify it, but to find more sustainable ways of demanding justice.

Beyond the Digital Surge

After the noise created by trending hashtags quiets down, another kind emerges for families – this is where you’ll find Cwecwe’s mother and many others, bearing the weight of seeking justice long after the world has moved on. For most, these stories are fleeting moments. But for families affected, there’s no off switch; the responsibility lies with them to ensure justice is served.

We often mistake online discussions and trending topics for actual victories. However, when the digital noise fades, grieving families are left to complete the groundwork – answering media calls, reliving trauma, and battling through complex systems. Loudness is not synonymous with justice. While social media can mobilize support, it cannot prosecute or lead to reform.

Movements like #RhodesMustFall demonstrate what is possible when digital expression evolves into tangible structural change (Booysen, 2023). Similarly, Generation G channels online momentum into grassroots strategies that drive genuine real-world justice (Mbembe, 2023). Their Generation G Engage app serves as a beacon of sustainable activism—a platform created with young people and survivors in mind. It provides tools for monitoring gender-based violence cases within the justice system, educational resources, and a digital community space for collaboration and mobilization. By bridging the digital and the tangible, this app empowers youth and civil society to turn outrage into organized action, ensuring that justice is not only discussed online but actively pursued on the ground every day.

These intersectional strategies are not signs of confusion rather, they are evidence of our adaptation – demonstrating that we are learning to acknowledge both digital urgency and the need for systemic transformation simultaneously.

Toward Sustainable Justice

The challenge of sustainable activism regarding gender-based violence reveals significant difficulties within our diversified context. The collapse of the #FeesMustFall movement reminds us that even powerful movements can struggle under emotional strain. What seemed like abandonment was a crisis of sustainability – a collective exhaustion that we bravely attempted to articulate. Current discussions often overlook the vital importance of self-preservation, creating false divides between commitment and survival.

The essential “quiet work” of justice, including thorough documentation and follow-ups, often goes unrecognized but is crucial for supporting cases once public interest fades. Unfortunately, existing systems provide minimal support for this work, leading to burnout among activists.

To address this issue, we must focus on structural changes rather than solely on individual resilience. The tension between fleeting visibility and sustained advocacy calls for the media to follow cases beyond their viral moments and funding for long-term efforts. We have the opportunity to create movements that honour human limitations and promote shared responsibility, preventing a few individuals from bearing the entire burden.

True transformation may arise not from dramatic displays of resistance but from those who steadfastly bear witness when attention dims down. Building infrastructures of care that can endure both initial surges of attention and subsequent silence is essential for achieving lasting justice and inspiring change.

About the Author

I’m Aphelele Mtwecu, a proud member of the Activate Change Drivers Network and a 2016 Activator. I am a 33-year-old ambivert who works as a content writer, activist, and creative. My true passion lies in youth development, transformation, and making a meaningful impact. Every day, I encounter the world seeking healing, innovative solutions, and fresh methods to drive social change on my personal journey. My work and advocacy reflect my unwavering commitment to fostering positive change.

REFERENCES

Booysen, S. (2023). Fees Must Fall: Student revolt, decolonisation and governance in South Africa. Wits University Press.

Cele, N. (2025, March 12). Justice for Cwecwe: How South Africa’s newest GBV case broke social media. Mail & Guardian. [URL]

Department of Police. (2024). Annual crime statistics report 2023/2024. South African Police Service. https://www.saps.gov.za/services/crimestats.php

Maphanga, C. (2023, May 18). Namhla Mtwa: One year later, still no arrests in Eastern Cape woman’s murder. News24. https://www.news24.com/news24/namhla-mtwa-murder-one-year-on-20230518

Mbembe, A. (2023). Digital activism and structural reform: Generation G’s impact on gender-based violence in South Africa. Journal of African Digital Studies, 12(2), 87-103.

Shange, N. (2020, June 10). Body of missing Tshegofatso Pule found hanging from tree, was eight months pregnant. TimesLIVE. https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-06-08-body-of-missing-tshegofatso-pule-found-hanging-from-tree/

Sokanyile, A. (2019, September 2). Uyinene Mrwetyana murder: Post office worker confesses. IOL. https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/uyinene-mrwetyana-murder-post-office-worker-confesses-31743000

Sonke Gender Justice. (2024). Annual report 2023/2024. https://genderjustice.org.za/publication/annual-report-2023-2024/

Kunzima, bafwethu. Being a man in South Africa means carrying silent battles, pressures to provide financially to your family, expectations to remain strong, and we’re told to bury even our deepest pains. We were taught to “man up, not to open up!” And so, we bottle things in “(sifela ngaphakathi),” a usual setting among men. The statistics are grim: men account for the vast majority of suicides in South Africa, a stark reflection of a mental health crisis festering in silence. As men, we don’t talk because we’re scared of being judged. We don’t seek help because we’re afraid of looking weak. This silence isn’t just killing men it’s fuelling the epidemic of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). It’s time to challenge this narrative and redefine strength as vulnerability, because every man’s life matters, and so does every woman and children’s safety associated with men who are emotionally wounded.

South Africa faces suicide crisis disproportionately claims men. According to The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) estimates a suicide rate of 11.5 per 100,000 people in 2020/21, with men making up 75% of cases. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports 23 known suicides daily, with men consistently making up three-quarters of these deaths, based on data from 2019. For every suicide, ten others have attempted it, pointing to widespread untreated mental distress.

Men are five times more likely to die by suicide than women globally, and in South Africa, this gap is even wider. Behind these numbers are stories of despair: 9.7% of South Africans 4.5 million people experience depression in their lifetime, and 70% of those who attempt suicide have a mental health condition. A 2020 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted that 75% of those with mental illnesses lack access to adequate care, constrained by an underfunded health system, and a culture that stigmatizes weakness.

Poverty, unemployment, and violence hallmarks of South Africa’s socio-economic landscape deepen this crisis. With a Gini coefficient of 63.0, in 2020 the World Bank reported that South Africa is the world’s most unequal society, with economic hardship driving suicide risk, particularly for men expected to be providers in their families. The 2024 unemployment rate of 32.9%, as indicated by STATS-SA intensifies this pressure, especially in urban areas where financial instability is severe. Continuous traumatic stress from living in high crime areas or witnessing violence further erodes mental resilience, leaving men feeling trapped and hopeless.

According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the silent struggles of men are inseparable from South Africa’s GBVF crisis. The country has one of the highest femicide rates globally, with 5.5 women killed per 100,000 by intimate partners in 2020/21. Three women die daily at the hands of someone close to them, and 60% of femicides are committed by intimate partners. Unchecked mental health issues can escalate into violence, with a 2008 study revealing that 19.4% of intimate femicide perpetrators in South Africa died by suicide within a week of the murder. Legal gun ownership, often tied to notions of masculine control, significantly increases this risk.

Are patriarchal norms the root of this crises? South Africa’s culture equates masculinity with dominance, leaving men unable to process emotions healthily. A 2019 study in Culture, Health and Sexuality noted that practices like lobola, while they are culturally significant, can blind notions of consent, reinforcing ideas of ownership over women. Men need to be re-educated that, they don’t have ownership over their wives and they cannot claim them as their property, marriage is an agreement between two people who decided to build their lives together, and start a family.

Patriarchy is a double-edged sword, it demands that men must be confident, in control, must have money, and unyielding, yet punishes vulnerability. “The ‘macho male stereotype’ expects men to ‘man up’ and adopt the ‘boys don’t cry’ mentality,” says Dr. Talatala of the South African Society of Psychiatrists. This stigma drives men to suffer in silence, particularly in African contexts where stoicism is a cultural cornerstone.

The legacy of apartheid adds another layer. A 2017 study by SAMRC noted historical disenfranchisement and systemic racism have left lasting mental health disparities, with white males overrepresented in suicide statistics due to access to lethal means like firearms. Meanwhile, Black men face unique pressures from intergenerational trauma and economic marginalization, often without the resources to cope.

As a new generation of men, we must rewrite this narrative. Real strength lies in vulnerability in reaching out and asking for help, in saying, “I’m not okay.” By addressing men’s mental health head on, we can dismantle the toxic norms that fuel despair and GBVF. Here’s how:

• Expand Mental Health Access: Integrating mental health services into primary care is cost effective and scalable. Community based programs in low-income areas can reach men where they are, breaking cycles of untreated illness. Organizations like SADAG (0800 567 567) and LifeLine (0861-322-322) offer free counseling and should be amplified.
• Normalize Help Seeking: Public campaigns can shift perceptions, showing that vulnerability is strength. Social media, radio, and community events can share stories of men who sought help, inspiring others to follow suit. Decriminalizing attempted suicide, as advocated by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, would further reduce stigma.
• Address Root Causes: Implement policies tackling poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality, as highlighted in the 2020 National Strategic Plan on GBVF. Economic empowerment programs for men can alleviate the pressure to provide, while gender equality initiatives can challenge patriarchal norms.

Join the movement. Share your story, support a friend, or reach out for professional help. The silent struggles of men are a crisis we can no longer ignore. If you’re reading this and going through the most, you don’t have to be alone. Talk. Cry. Pray. Reach out to someone, it could be a friend, a colleague or a pastor. You matter. By breaking the silence, we save not only men’s lives but also the families affected by the ripple effects of untreated pain.

Let’s redefine strength, one conversation at a time, and build a future where no one suffers in silence. This is also a collective fight for men to heal, for women to be safe, and for South Africa to thrive.

Sandile Mlangeni is a 2019 GP-based Activator, he is passionate about youth activism. Sandile regards it as important to contribute his views and experiences to recognised entities seeking to develop communities. He started his journey as an activist in 2012 when he started collaborating with community-based organisations in his hometown in Tsakane and Kwa-Thema Ekurhuleni.

In South Africa, the alarming intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and mental health issues has prompted urgent action and dialogue. Generation Gender South Africa (Gen G) has launched the #WearYourSupport campaign to address this pressing issue head-on. Launched in May, the campaign seeks not only to raise awareness but also to challenge deeply entrenched societal norms surrounding masculinity and emotional expression.

The Grim Reality of Gender-Based Violence

South Africa is facing an alarming rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), ranking among the highest globally for such incidents. Recent statistics are frightening, revealing that a woman is murdered every three hours due to GBV-related violence. In 2021 alone, the South African Police Service (SAPS) documented over 50,000 sexual offences, a stark indicator of the extensive and systemic nature of this crisis. These harrowing numbers highlight the pressing need for immediate and transformative measures aimed at preventing further loss of life and safeguarding vulnerable individuals in our communities.

A particularly tragic case that has captured public attention recently is that of twenty-two-year-old Sinenhlanhla Mathonsi, a dedicated employee of Pick ‘n Pay. Sinenhlanhla’s life was cruelly cut short when she was stabbed while on duty at a branch located in Protea Glen, Soweto. Reports indicate that her partner, Anele Kula, is allegedly responsible for this horrific act of violence. He was arrested the same day of the incident and has since faced the judicial system, where he opted to abandon bail, resulting in his continued detention.

This heartbreaking incident serves as another painful reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to combat GBV in South Africa effectively. Organisations like Generation Gender South Africa are at the forefront of this fight, actively working to empower communities and educate individuals about the importance of gender equality and safety. As communities rally together to mourn the loss of victims like Sinenhlanhla, it becomes increasingly evident that collective action, heightened accountability, and community engagement are crucial components in the ongoing battle to protect women.

Generation Gender South Africa’s initiatives focus on fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and promoting advocacy, ensuring that the voices of those affected by GBV are heard and prioritised. Their work aligns perfectly, intending to ensure safety in all spaces, whether public or private, making it a priority as society strives to create a safer environment for everyone. By mobilising communities and encouraging proactive measures, Generation Gender South Africa continues to play a vital role in transforming the landscape of gender-based violence in the nation.

The Hidden Struggle of Men’s Mental Health

Amidst this grim landscape, there exists a dangerous stigma surrounding men’s mental health in South Africa. Many men feel compelled to suppress their emotions, contributing to a cycle of silence and isolation. This silence can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, leading to increased risks of violence, including against partners. Research shows that men struggling with untreated mental health issues are at a higher risk of engaging in aggressive behaviour (World Health Organization, 2021).

In South Africa, the situation is particularly alarming, with men being more likely to die by suicide compared to women. According to the South African Medical Research Council, between 2014 and 2016, the suicide rate for men was approximately 16.8 per 100,000, demonstrating a pressing need for mental health support and intervention (South African Medical Research Council, 2016). These statistics highlight the urgent need to address mental health issues among men and break the cycle of stigma that prevents many from seeking help.

Understanding the connection between men’s mental health and the ongoing threat of gender-based violence (GBV) is crucial in addressing the root causes of this violence. South Africa has been dealing with a mental health crisis, particularly among men, and several factors contribute to this issue:

2. Socioeconomic Factors: One significant contributor to men’s mental health issues in South Africa is the high unemployment rate. According to Statistics South Africa, the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 stood at 50.3% in the first quarter of 2015. A decade later, it has risen to 62,4%. Among those aged 25 to 34, the rate increased from 31.4% to 40.4% over the same period, with young men at 36.7% in the first quarter of 2025. This economic strain can lead to feelings of inadequacy and increased stress, which can exacerbate mental health problems.
3. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is another critical factor. The World Health Organization notes that the alcohol-attributable mortality was heaviest among men, accounting for 2 million deaths compared to 600,000 deaths among women, in 2019. This can lead to various mental health disorders. This cycle of addiction and mental health issues can be particularly harmful, as it may lead to additional violent behaviour, which includes GBVF.
4. Cultural Expectations: Cultural norms surrounding masculinity often discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help for mental health issues. Men usually feel pressured to conform to traditional masculine ideals, leading them to suppress their feelings and ultimately harming their mental health.

Initiatives like #WearYourSupport aim to foster a culture where vulnerability among men is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness. By redefining perceptions of masculinity, this campaign offers a platform for men to openly discuss their emotions and support one another in a society that often demands silence. Addressing these mental health issues and promoting supportive environments can be significant steps toward reducing GBV and improving men’s overall well-being.

A Call to Change: The Campaign’s Vision

The #WearYourSupport campaign is a clarion call for a transformative shift in how society perceives male strength and emotional expression. It encourages men to embrace their vulnerabilities as a pathway to healing. At the forefront of this initiative are champions like Sizolwenkosi Mordecai Ndlovu, who has hosted an event named “Men in Solidarity Against GBV” on 15 May 2025 in Tembisa, uniting community leaders and empowering participants to combat gender-based violence. “I believe this campaign is crucial in sparking meaningful conversations and driving change. By addressing men’s mental health and GBVF together, we can create a more nuanced understanding of these interconnected issues,” Sizolwenkosi asserts.

Neo Iyana Masilela, another passionate advocate, will moderate a community dialogue on May 22, 2025, in Orange Farm. Her efforts to amplify the campaign through storytelling and media engagement focus on creating spaces where men can share their struggles without judgment. “I hope that the campaign encourages more honest dialogue among men and inspires supportive spaces where vulnerability is seen as strength,” Neo emphasises, aiming to dismantle the stigma that often surrounds such discussions.

Engaging the Community: Events and Initiatives

Gen G’s approach is multifaceted, featuring a range of online and in-person events designed to engage the community actively. A pivotal part of this campaign includes a Clothing Drive, allowing participants to donate items while promoting unity and compassion. This drive represents more than just a charitable action; it’s about forging connections among diverse individuals who share the goals of addressing GBV and advancing mental health awareness.

The campaign’s broader goal is to cultivate a supportive environment where conversations about mental health can flourish, thereby mitigating the risk factors associated with GBV. By hiking together, participants symbolise their commitment to standing against violence while nurturing emotional well-being.

The Way Forward: A Society of Support and Understanding

As South Africa continues to grapple with the complexities of GBVF, initiatives like the #WearYourSupport campaign are crucial in reshaping perceptions and fostering emotional openness among men. It calls on everyone to reflect on their role in combating GBVF and supporting those affected by it. The campaign strongly urges individuals to share their stories using the hashtag #WearYourSupport on social media, amplifying voices that often go unheard.

In addressing both mental health and GBV, the campaign positions itself as a necessary movement for societal change, aiming for a future where vulnerability is embraced and mutual support empowers communities against violence.

References

1. Press release: ACTIVATE! Change Drivers & Generation G. (2025, 7 May). Launch of the #WearYourSupport campaign.
2. South African Police Service (SAPS). (2021). “Crime statistics.” (https://www.saps.gov.za/services/crimestats.php )
3. World Health Organization. (2021). “Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018.” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women)
4. Statistics South Africa: (2025) South Africa’s Youth in Labour Market – A Decade in Review (http://www.statssa.gov.za)
5. World Health Organization. (2024). “Alcohol Key Facts, 2024.”

(https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol )

6. Gender-Based Violence and Health: A Research Agenda. Global Health Action, 2021. (https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/zgha20 )

About the author

Phumzile Zwane is a member of the Activate Change Drivers Writers Hub who is passionate about writing and editing. With a background in Digital Marketing and Communications, she is committed to empowering young people and fostering positive change in her community. Phumzile is dedicated to educating and uplifting others, striving to make a significant impact through her passion for content creation and belief in the next generation’s potential.