President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on men across South Africa to take a strong stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“President Ramaphosa urges society to unite against gender-based violence and encourages men with positive values to help others change their behavior and report abuse,” the Presidency stated on Tuesday.

The President launched this initiative by signing a pledge alongside men from various sectors at Pofadder, Northern Cape, during Women’s Day last week.

Among those who joined him were Northern Cape Premier Dr. Zamani Saul, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes, and representatives from community and faith-based organizations, along with learners.

The pledge commits men to be allies in ending GBV, to respect and treat women as equals, and to take responsibility for their actions.