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South Africa faith leaders condemn femicide
Religious leaders across Gauteng unite to demand justice for nine murdered women and systemic change to end gender-based violence.
In brief
Religious leaders across Gauteng unite to demand justice for nine murdered women and systemic change to end gender-based violence. Faith communities must work together with families, schools, and government to teach respect for human dignity and challenge toxic masculinity from childhood. Originally reported by…
Nine women killed in Ekurhuleni
Faith leaders in South Africa's Gauteng province gathered on September 22 to condemn the deaths of nine women discovered in Ekurhuleni since July. The killings have sparked urgent calls for action against gender-based violence.
“These women are not statistics. They are daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, neighbours, and beloved members of our communities.”
Naming the victims matters
Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, named seven identified victims at the gathering: Busisiwe Mahlangu, Itumeleng Kekana, Nomfesane Mjobo, Gracious Nkomo, Elizabeth Moselakgomo, Dineo Motapane and Jabulile Ntimba. Two others remain unidentified pending family notification.
Femicide is a moral failure
The Gauteng Interfaith Leadership Council declared gender-based violence and femicide a profound moral failure and grave sin against human sanctity. Every life lost to violence diminishes all of humanity.
“An injury to one is an injury to all.”
Faiths unite on shared values
The council brings together Christian denominations, Muslim, Hindu and Krishna Consciousness representatives. Cardinal Brislin said people of faith can contribute to the common good by working together on shared values despite their differences.
Teach boys what manhood means
Faith leaders emphasized that boys and young men must learn from early childhood that violence and domination are not expressions of masculinity. Fathers and positive male role models are essential to forming their moral conscience.
Respect starts at home
Families, schools and religious communities must work together to teach children respect for human dignity. Communities including churches, mosques and temples can mentor young people and reinforce values when parental care is inconsistent.
“Respect starts at home.”
Society-wide effort required
Cardinal Brislin stressed that ending gender-based violence cannot rest with faith leaders alone. It demands a common effort from families, schools, government, law enforcement and the entire society working together.
The short version
Faith communities must work together with families, schools, and government to teach respect for human dignity and challenge toxic masculinity from childhood.
