By Khanyisa Dunjwa, a Gender Activist (writing this opinion in her personal capacity)
The past few weeks have brought South Africa’s complex relationship with gender-based violence (GBV) into sharp focus yet again. Public outrage has been palpable -and rightfully so – as podcaster MacG made vile, misogynistic remarks about Minnie Dlamini. Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, responded by calling the remarks “disgusting” and demanding accountability. Yet instead of uniting around this condemnation, much of the public discourse turned toward accusations of selective activism, and disturbingly, toward homophobic attacks against the Deputy Minister herself.
It is important to separate real, constructive criticism from reactionary noise. In questioning why some leaders have not been equally vocal about other horrific cases — such as the protracted legal saga involving televangelist Timothy Omotoso, or the brutal abuse suffered by young girls like Cwecwe – we must tread carefully. These are not competing tragedies. They are part of a single, systemic crisis.
Each incident of GBV is not a standalone issue. It is a symptom of deeply entrenched patriarchy and societal normalization of women’s suffering. Whether it’s the sexual exploitation of congregants by a powerful pastor, the neglect of rural children victimized by predators, or the public shaming of a woman on a podcast, the message remains chillingly consistent: women’s bodies and dignity are open to violation.
Criticisms of government silence or delayed responses in certain cases are valid -the fight against GBV requires consistent, decisive leadership. However, to pit one tragedy against another is to miss the larger point. There is no hierarchy of suffering. Public and political responses should reflect the interconnected nature of these injustices, not create false binaries that divide public empathy.
What is especially troubling is the personal and homophobic backlash aimed at Deputy Minister Letsike. Her sexual orientation has no bearing on the validity of her stance against misogyny. Such attacks not only distract from the real issue – MacG’s public platform being used to degrade women – but also reflect the deep-rooted stigma and discrimination LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face, especially when they take up space in leadership.
This kind of backlash serves to silence queer voices and further marginalize those who are already underrepresented. It reinforces the culture of fear that deters many from standing up against GBV in all its forms.
We Need a Unified Front, Not A Divided One
South Africa cannot afford to be selective in its outrage. Nor can it afford to undermine the courage of those who speak out, even if their voice comes at a different time or through a different channel. The real call here is for a comprehensive, intersectional response to gender-based violence – one that acknowledges rural and urban experiences, institutional abuse, media misogyny, and homophobia as interlinked struggles.
Leadership must be held accountable – not through personal attacks, but through sustained civic engagement, policy advocacy, and support for survivors. At the same time, society must reflect on how we, as citizens and communities, respond to women and queer leaders who dare to challenge deeply embedded norms.
The question isn’t why someone spoke out now, or why they didn’t before. The question is: What will we do next – together – to end this culture of violence once and for all?
