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'Are We Real Men?': Zulu King Stands Against Abuse of Women

The Zulu people, also known as amaZulu, are an ethnic group belonging to Nguni cultural group, indigenous to southern Africa. The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa, with an estimated population of 10 to 12 million individuals. The majority of the Zulu people reside in South Africa's province of KwaZulu-Natal.
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According to Zulu King MisuZulu kaZwelithini Misuzulu Zulu kaZwelithini, men should be embarrassed of the alarmingly high gender-based violence (GBV) statistics.
The Zulu king led a march from the Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa's Umlazi township (south of Durban) to the neighboring King Zwelithini Stadium to promote awareness of femicide and GBV in the nation.
He urged men to speak out against these crimes.

"The situation the nation makes one doubt if we are real men. I am pleading with you my people because even the late King spoke strongly about this disgraceful act, that a woman must never be abused. As a man you must respect children and be a father so that a child can in return respect to you as well. We are gathered here to strongly condemn this behavior and to talk among ourselves as men. If you are one of those men who are abusing women and children, you must stop it," the king stated.

Earlier, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, traditional prime minister to the Zulu royal family, stated that the court system occasionally fails victims of gender-based abuse.
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At a men's walk in Umlazi against gender-based violence and femicide, Buthelezi's statement was read on his behalf.
According to Prince Buthelezi's message, which was read by Inkatha Freedom Party's Deputy President Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, some women do not report sexual abuse.

"Statistics tells us that only one in nine women are raped and report to the police, the fact is that reporting sexual offences has decreased over time, but as a result of decreasing trust in justice system that is ineffective in prosecuting the perpetrators. Victims who pursue justice system face long road with their trauma for the justice system is painfully slow," Buthelezi stated.

African countries in different regions are taking steps to counter gender-based and sexual abuse. In June this year, Kenya officially launched its first computerized sex offenders register.
In addition to serving as a deterrent, digital technology will also be essential in efforts to rehabilitate sex offenders.
The electronic record will enable law enforcement officials and other authorized organizations to conveniently follow and monitor convicted offenders in addition to raising public awareness and safety, reports stated.