Kolisi, Chiefs Call For Action On Gender-Based Violence After Ekurhuleni Killings
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has joined millions of South Africans—including Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso and PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs—in calling for an immediate end to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), declaring that “men need help urgently.”
Kolisi’s plea comes amid an intensive criminal investigation across Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where police discovered the bodies of nine women dumped across Kempton Park, Pomona, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, KwaThema (Springs), and Dawn Park (Boksburg) between July and September.
The harrowing discoveries have ignited widespread fear, prompting urgent interventions from local communities, law enforcement, and national government leaders. Investigators confirmed that several victims were found partially or fully unclothed, with evidence pointing to sexual assault and strangulation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia publicly condemned the killings, directing law enforcement to prioritize the cases and leave no stone unturned.
Fresh off leading the Springboks to a historic 3-1 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series victory over New Zealand, Kolisi urged men across the country to take responsibility.
“I’d like to start by sending my condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones this week,” said Kolisi.
“Not only the ones on the headlines, I know there are names whose names didn’t make the news. I’m always the one who asks South Africans to get behind us when we play. Now I’m asking everyone to end GBV in our country.
“It has been going on for far too long, for so many years. It is an everyday thing now. It is not because it is a headline right now, or because it is all over the news. This happens each and every day in our country.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that we use our voice and platform to talk about this. I want to encourage all other males and sporting teams to also speak up about what is happening in our country.
“Because we ask people to get behind us and they do; it is time for us to also use our platform. We can do things better. As men in our country, we need to acknowledge and accept that we are a problem here, and we need help. We need help urgently.
“If we don’t get help, this is going to keep continuing. I’m asking all the people who have platforms, podcasts, everything – let’s do more than just talk, but take action.
“Please, South Africa, let’s speak more, let’s do more than speaking. We need action at times like this,” Kolisi added.
Following the series-deciding win in Baltimore, Kolisi flew with the Springboks to Australia to prepare for their upcoming Nations Championship Test against the Wallabies in Perth.
“I want to be part of the solution,” the two-time Rugby World Cup winner emphasized.
“I don’t have the answers, but I definitely want to be part of the solution and not the problem.”
Kaizer Chiefs, the PSL club Kolisi avidly supports, also issued a strong statement condemning the crisis:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic violence and killings in Ekurhuleni,” said Chiefs in a statement.
“Kaizer Chiefs FC condemns Gender-Based Violence and the senseless loss of life in our communities.
“Our deepest condolences to the families affected. To the people of Kempton Park and other parts of the East Rand, we stand with you.
“No woman should live in fear. Enough is enough!”
