Siya Kolisi: ‘We Are The Problem’ – Springbok Captain Urges Men To Act On GBV
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has called on South African men to take responsibility for ending gender-based violence following the killing of nine women in Ekurhuleni. The bodies of 9 women have been discovered across Ekurhuleni since July, with five found in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein, and one each in Kwa-Thema and Dawn Park. Police say only 4 have been positively identified so far.
In a video posted from Australia where the Springboks are preparing for their Test against the Wallabies on 27 September, Kolisi said he could not stay silent.
“We ask South Africa to stand behind us all the time. Now I’m asking us as men to stand up. This is bigger than a headline,” Kolisi said.
“This is an everyday reality in our country and we cannot keep leaving women to carry this fight alone.”
Kolisi urged men to seek help and to challenge violence in their own circles. “The men of our country need to acknowledge and accept that we are the problem, and we need help. We need help urgently, because without asking for help, this will continue.”
He also called on athletes, sporting teams and people with platforms to go beyond awareness posts.
“It’s our responsibility to use our voice and platform… how can we bring people into this space who can actually help us? Please, South Africans, especially men, let’s speak more, and let’s do more than just speak. We need action now.”
‘We Are The Problem’ | Siya Kolisi’s Emotional Plea To South African Men After 9 Women Found Dead In Ekurhuleni
