21/11/2025
Gender-based violence is wrong. Full stop. But the root goes deeper than the actions we see.
When we look at South Africa’s overall murder numbers, the reality becomes impossible to ignore:
• ±27,600 murders in a year
In one recent quarter alone (Jan–Mar 2025):
• 4,890 men murdered
• 837 women murdered
• 293 children murdered
In the 2023/24 year:
• 1,656 children murdered in total
These numbers show us something deeper:
men are dying in massive numbers not through GBV, but through violence rooted in deep emotional wounds.
A healed man does not murder.
A healed man does not abuse.
A healed man does not destroy.
Our nation is not facing one issue we’re facing a spirit of violence fed by trauma, neglect, pain, and brokenness. I am not justifying any abuse; I have lived through it myself. But we cannot ignore what these numbers reveal:
If we take the total murders as a reflection of how many wounded people exist,
and then ask how many abusers emerge from that woundedness,
we see the scale of the spiritual and emotional crisis confronting our nation.
This battle is bigger than gender.
This battle is bigger than policy.
This battle is spiritual.
Awareness is only the beginning.
Without a strategic plan to bring healing to men and women, the numbers will not decline.
Our national disaster is not only GBV.
Our national disaster is a nation full of unhealed trauma and no system on earth can heal a broken heart.
Only Jesus heals the heart.
Only Jesus restores identity.
Only Jesus brings justice.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
PRAYER:
Lord, heal the wounded places in our nation. Break the spirit of violence over South Africa. Restore the hearts of men, women, and children. Bind up trauma, uproot bitterness, and release Your peace. Heal the unseen wounds that produce visible destruction. Let justice flow, let mercy rise, and let Your presence rebuild what pain has shattered. We trust You completely. Amen.