The MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, received a memorandum from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) Northern Diocese Men’s League at Hoërskool Nelspruit on September 12.

This follows a peaceful march by ELCSA that aimed to represent a critical milestone in the provincial fight against gender-based violence.

The department commended the spiritually grounded men of ELCSA for taking a visible, physical stand to protect women and children in local communities.

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March highlights plight of male abuse victims

The spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi, said a critical and often overlooked issue was brought to the forefront: the plight of male victims of domestic violence.

Church leadership made a direct plea to Macie regarding what they claim is ridicule and lack of seriousness male victims frequently face when trying to report abuse at SAPS stations.

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The delegation challenged the outdated societal stigma of ‘men don’t cry’, which forces many men to suffer in silence out of fear of shame and institutional rejection.

Macie calls for equal protection for all victims

Macie acknowledged the grievance, reaffirming that justice and protection know no gender.

“Abuse is abuse, and every victim who walks into a police station deserves to be treated with dignity, empathy and absolute professionalism,” he said.

“Let’s break the silence and create a safe environment for all victims to speak out. Government and the faith-based sector are stronger when working together to end domestic and gender-targeted abuse.”