Sonke Gender Justice, through the Inkanyezi Project, notes with concern the recent arrest of a community leader who has previously collaborated with the programme as a male ally. The incident, which reportedly occurred during the G20 Social Summit in Johannesburg, is currently undergoing due process through the criminal justice system.
As an organisation committed to ending Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, advancing gender equality, and promoting positive masculinities, we emphasise our position that all allegations of GBVF must be taken seriously, and all parties are entitled to due process. We therefore support a thorough, fair, and transparent legal process, without fear or favour.
This alleged violation is particularly distressing given that the complainant is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a group that continues to face elevated risks of discrimination, exclusion, and violence. We uphold the principle that every survivor deserves dignity, safety, and access to psychosocial and legal support.
As Co-Chair of the Mpumalanga Provincial GBVF Council, and just after our collective civil society march calling for GBVF to be declared a National Disaster, we underline the urgency of strengthening prevention systems, community accountability, and leadership responsibility, particularly as the globe marks 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children
