Confront GBV at 5th National Parliament
By Nkosana Khumalo
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal –
Men and boys from across South Africa’s nine provinces have come together at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature for a two-day gathering aimed at tackling tough issues like gender-based violence, toxic masculinity, and the way young boys are raised, with speakers calling for real changes to build accountable boys into responsible men who stand against harm to women and girls.
The 5th National Men and Boys Parliament Kicks Off
This year’s event, held on 5 and 6 February 2026, brings fresh energy to the fight against social problems that hurt families and communities every day.
Under the theme “Raising Accountable Boys, Building Responsible Men,” the parliament gives a space for open talks where men and boys share stories, ideas, and plans to make things better.
It focuses on challenges like gender-based violence, which tears lives apart, as well as HIV prevention and breaking harmful ideas about what it means to be a man.
The gathering started with strong words from leaders who see this as a key moment to get men involved in ending violence. They point out that too often, talks about gender-based violence put all the weight on women to stay safe, but real change needs men and boys to step up as allies.
By coming from all corners of the country, participants show that this is a national push, not just a local chat, to shift how society raises its sons.
One highlight was the call for a clear plan of action to stop gender-based violence before it starts. Speakers stressed teaching boys early about respect, kindness, and standing up when they see wrong.
This parliament builds on past ones, like the fourth in 2024, where similar cries for change led to more community work and awareness drives.
Urgent Calls for Action Against Gender-Based Violence
At the heart of the discussions is the painful reality of gender-based violence in South Africa, where thousands of women and girls face harm each year.
Speakers shared hard numbers: over 50,000 cases of assault on women get reported yearly, but many more stay hidden because of fear or shame. In some areas, like rural spots, help feels far away, leaving victims alone.
Men at the event spoke up about their part in fixing this. One shared how prisons are full of men who brag about their acts, getting out too soon because sentences feel light.
He called for tougher laws to keep abusers away longer, giving families time to heal.
Others talked about breaking “toxic masculinity,” those old ideas that say men cannot show feelings or must control women, which fuel the violence.
The parliament also looked at how to include boys in these talks from a young age. Ideas include school programmes that teach respect and equality, plus safe spaces for boys to share worries without judgement.
By focusing on “the socialisation of the boy child,” they aim to raise a new group of men who see women as equals and step in to stop abuse.
Key Figures and Their Messages
Beau Nkaelang, chairperson of the SANAC Men’s Sector, was a standout voice at the event. He urged men to be “champions of change,” saying the time for silence is over.
Nkaelang highlighted how gender-based violence links to other issues like HIV spread, calling for men to lead in prevention and support. His words echoed a national cry: with 76% of men admitting to harming a woman at least once, real talk from men like him can shift mindsets.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong also addressed the group, stressing leadership and accountability. He spoke of building a future where boys grow into men who protect, not harm.
Traditional leaders joined too, sharing how old customs can change to fit modern respect for all.
These figures show the parliament’s pull, bringing in government, community leaders, and activists.
Past events, like the inaugural Boys’ Parliament in 2025 hosted by the Africa Centre, paved the way, focusing on boys’ health and ending violence. Now, the fifth pushes for more, like linking with the Men’s Parliament for a full day just for boys’ voices.
The Broader Context of GBV in South Africa
South Africa faces one of the world’s worst rates of gender-based violence, often called a “second pandemic” after COVID. President Cyril Ramaphosa has named it a national disaster, with campaigns like 16 Days of Activism each year shining a light on the pain.
Stats show one in three women faces abuse in her life, with femicide—killing women just because they are women—happening every few hours.
In places like KwaZulu-Natal, where this parliament happened, rural areas see high numbers because of poverty, old beliefs, and slow help from police.
Kids suffer too, growing up in homes full of fear, carrying scars that lead to more cycles of harm.
The festive season often sees spikes, with alcohol and stress boiling over into attacks.
Efforts to fight this include hotlines, safe houses, and laws like the Domestic Violence Act, but many say they fall short.
Groups call for more funding for grassroots work, like the Gender-Based Violence Response Fund, which helps shelters and counselling.
Involving men and boys, as this parliament does, is seen as vital—shifting from “what women should do” to “how men can stop it.”
Success Stories and Community Initiatives
Amid the pain, bright spots shine. Campaigns like #LoveLockedDown in 2020 helped during tough times, while the Post Office to Parliament drive in 2021 sent thousands of letters urging action.
In Gauteng, men’s groups meet to talk openly about anger and respect, showing change is possible.
In KZN, traditional leaders at events like this promise to update customs, like ending forced marriages. Schools now teach kids about rights, with programmes on emotional health to help boys share feelings without shame.
Survivors share stories too, saying, “You didn’t lose, you still have us—we understand, we’ve been there, we survived.” This builds hope, encouraging more to speak out and seek help.
The parliament’s resolutions, like those from past sessions, call for better education resources, mental health support, and an end to bullying. By including boys, it aims to heal historical hurts and break toxic norms.
Government and Society’s Role in Change
Government backs these efforts, with leaders like Ramaphosa engaging young men on GBV. The South African National AIDS Council pushes men as allies in HIV prevention too, linking it to violence.
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has led similar parliaments, calling for men to champion change.
Society must join: families teaching respect at home, communities forming watches, and workplaces offering support.
With bold targets, like linking 1.1 million men to HIV care, the fight ties health and safety. As Beau Nkaelang said, “We cannot remain silent—we must act.”
This parliament in Pietermaritzburg stands as a beacon, showing men and boys ready to lead the way. With unity, South Africa can turn the tide on GBV, building safer homes for all.
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