This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On June 21, 2020, a tragic incident shook the nation, highlighting the dark reality of domestic violence. Karabo Mokoena, a 22-year-old woman, was reported missing in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 28. Her family and friends searched for her, but it wasn't until weeks later that news emerged of her brutal murder and burning at the hands of her boyfriend, Sandile Mantsoe.
As the news spread, an online movement gained momentum, with women sharing their own stories of abuse and harassment under the hashtag #MenAreTrash. While this movement has been present in the online sphere before, the recent incident sparked a wave of outrage and solidarity among women.
However, in this article, we take a different stance. We believe that labeling all men as 'trash' is not the solution to ending domestic violence. Instead, we propose that we need to have open discussions with men about the safety of women and work towards raising our boys to be better.
By doing so, we can create a society where men and women can coexist without fear of violence or harassment. We must acknowledge that there are men who are capable of love, kindness, and respect, and we must work towards creating a culture that promotes these values.
Let us not forget that the next generation of men is watching, and it is up to us to shape their understanding of what it means to be a man. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all.
