The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, a United Nations initiative, is observed annually from 25 November to 10 December. In South Africa, a country grappling with high levels of gender-based violence and misogyny, the government urges citizens to take a stand:
- Reject and report abusers—act and don’t look away.
- Do not protect abusers—report them.
- Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence.
However, questions have arisen over the government’s commitment to these principles. Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has been accused by the GOOD Party of failing to act on requests to deny a visa to convicted U.S. R&B artist Chris Brown, who is scheduled to perform two concerts in Johannesburg shortly after the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
The GOOD Party argues that Brown’s past criminal record should render him an “undesirable person” under Section 30 of South Africa’s Immigration Act. This provision prohibits entry to individuals with prior criminal convictions, particularly for offenses that would also be considered crimes in South Africa. Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in 2009 following an incident involving fellow artist Rihanna and has since faced additional legal consequences, including a prison sentence for violating probation.
GOOD Party representatives have repeatedly reached out to Minister Schreiber over the past month, urging him to reject Brown’s visa application. However, they claim these requests have gone unanswered. “Schreiber has the tools to act but lacks the spine to use them,” said the party in a statement.
Allowing Brown to perform in South Africa, particularly in the wake of the 16 Days of Activism, sends a troubling message, the party contends. “If Schreiber truly cares about women, he would use his authority to declare Chris Brown undesirable and uphold the principles of the Immigration Act.”
The criticism highlights a broader issue: the perceived gap between the government’s rhetoric on gender-based violence and its actions. While the state often champions its commitment to eradicating such violence, critics argue that instances like this undermine its credibility.
As South Africa continues its campaign to combat gender-based violence, calls are growing for officials to demonstrate their commitment through decisive action, starting with rejecting figures like Chris Brown whose histories of violence contradict the values the campaign seeks to uphold.