Leighton Koopman
Declaring gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis in South Africa is big news for the country, and it is great that it has finally been acknowledged. However, it is now time to turn that acknowledgement into action with a clear plan.
That was the reaction of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who has led the fight against GBV from within the South African sporting fraternity.
Kolisi will lead the world champions into battle against Ireland tonight (7.40pm kick-off) at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in a crucial Test for the Boks.
While there will be discussions with his teammates on how they can collectively throw their support behind the cause ahead of the match, Kolisi has urged South Africans to stand up against GBV.
Although there are plenty of organisations leading the fight against gender-based violence, Kolisi says there is still so much more the country can do.
“I’ve seen some videos before I came here (to his captain’s media conference) of people walking in South Africa in support of the fight,” Kolisi said. “And for me, it has been a big thing. I grew up in a community where it was a big problem. You see it every day, and all of a sudden, it becomes normal, and you ignore it.
“I’ve seen it in my personal life and in people I grew up with and love very much. There was nothing I could have done then. But today, I have the platform and the means to do things to make a difference. It is big news that the president acknowledged it, but it is important to see what comes after.”
Kolisi added that it will be important to see what steps are taken next, and that everyone in the country has a role to play, regardless of whether they have money or not.
He said that if South Africa had more men willing to lead in the right way, the country would be in a far better place when it comes to confronting this national disaster. This is a human issue; it doesn’t just affect a certain gender. It affects every human being, not just in South Africa. We need to stand up, raise our voices and do what we can.
“As a team, we will speak about it and show our support.”
With pride and an unbeaten November tour on the line, Kolisi said they will fight to remain No 1 in the world and play for the people who continue to support them no matter what.
