Watch: Boksburg Correctional Services hosts thought-provoking GBV dialogue

The dialogue provided a platform for men to deliberate on issues of GBV and other social ills

December 18, 2020

Ntombikayise Sibeko 1 minute read

During question-and-answer time, Abdullah Khubeka from Thokoza suggested that the department needs to organise more of these GBV forums in order to equip them as men.

The Boksburg Correctional Services, in conjunction with Mthunzi Community Development, held an informative anti-gender-based violence dialogue on December 11.

About 30 ex-offenders attended the dialogue, which was aimed at engaging men in the discussions on how they can play their part in ending gender-based violence (GBV).

Panellists for the day included Mark Gilpin (Boksburg North SAPS CPF chairperson), Nkanyiso Madlala (Department of Correctional Services (DCS) psychologist), Busi Skosana (DCS social worker) and Busisiwe Sukazi from Nomzamo Swayam organisation.

During the dialogue it was highlighted that GBV is mainly perpetrated by men, as well as by the community members and individuals who tolerate negative masculine practices.

Some of the ex-offenders who attended the anti-GBV dialogue at the Boksburg Correctional Services on December 11.

Addressing the attendees, Skosana said GBV is an ongoing behaviour which has affected people.

Watch video:

“We need to come up with a tool of how to stop this behaviour. It is important for men to avoid certain arguments with their partners before it leads to physical altercation. It is advisable for men to flee from the situation and once they feel calm and ready to talk they can address the situation. It is also important to always communicate with people we know or with our partners rather than using violence to get the message across,” Skosana said.

Meanwhile, Madlala stated not everyone who commits crime is mentally ill.

Department of Correctional Services psychologist Nkanyiso Madlala advised men to deal with their emotions before it’s too late.

“When it comes to serial murderers, they don’t murder someone because they need that person’s possession. They feel joy, they get some psychological satisfaction. In terms of rape, it has nothing to do with sexual gratification but it has everything to do with power where the rapist has the power of another person. The rape tends to give rapists the psychological satisfaction,” Madlala said.

He added that men should deal with their emotions before it’s too late.

“Being emotional as men is not a problem. If you feel you have anger issues go to your local hospital so you can receive the help you need,” Madlala said.

Gilpin encouraged men to speak out when they see other men abusing women.

Boksburg North SAPS CPF chairperson Mark Gilpin was one of the speakers at the anti-GBV dialogue at the Boksburg Correctional Services on December 11.

Mthunzi Community Development is a local NPO that prides itself in the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions aimed at resolving pertinent socio-economic challenges within our community.