South Africa: Mobilising men and young leaders for gender justice and social transformation

As a faith-inspired social justice advocate, reconciliation practitioner, educator, and community mobiliser, Seth’s work spans faith communities, schools, youth networks, and civil society partnerships. What distinguishes his approach is the way he brings together gender justice, leadership development, fatherhood transformation, and community engagement to address some of South Africa’s most pressing social challenges, including gender-based violence (GBV), inequality, and social exclusion. 

A turning point in Seth’s journey came in 2020 when he joined the inaugural Faith Leaders Gender Transformation Programme (FLGTP). The programme challenged participants to examine the links between gender, power, patriarchy, faith, and justice. For Seth, it became a transformative experience that strengthened his understanding of the role faith communities can play in either reinforcing harmful social norms or becoming spaces of healing and transformation.

Through the FLGTP, Seth became part of a growing movement of faith leaders committed to addressing gender injustice and GBV. The experience encouraged deep personal reflection and challenged him to confront socialised ideas about masculinity and patriarchy. What began as a learning journey evolved into active leadership within the programme, where he now contributes as a facilitator, mentor, and member of broader leadership structures within the Faith Action Collective to End GBV.

Since then, Seth has integrated gender-transformative approaches into all aspects of his leadership work. Through initiatives such as the Faith Action Collective to End GBV, Heartlines Fathers Matter, the GIBS Adopt-a-School initiative, and the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Programme, he has helped create opportunities for dialogue, learning, accountability, and action. The impact of this work can be seen across multiple communities and sectors. Men and fathers are engaging more critically with questions of masculinity, care, responsibility, and equality. Faith leaders are developing the confidence and skills needed to respond appropriately to GBV while promoting survivor-centred approaches. Schools are becoming stronger spaces for values-based leadership, and young people are finding their voices as leaders and agents of change.

A significant moment during this journey emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when Seth joined regular conversations facilitated by Dr Nontando Hadebe and a network of theologians, ministers, and social justice activists. As discussions evolved, the group committed itself to mobilising faith communities to address GBV. This strengthened Seth’s understanding that ending violence requires more than awareness. It demands collective leadership, collaboration, courage, and sustained action.

In June 2023, Seth formally joined the Faith Action Collective to End GBV, deepening his involvement in advocacy, leadership development, and community mobilisation. Through programmes such as Fathers Matter to End GBV, Coaching Men for Gender Justice, and Men as Allies to End GBV, he has continued to encourage men to become active partners in building safer and more equitable communities.

The evidence of change is reflected in transformed attitudes, behaviours, and relationships. Communities are increasingly willing to discuss GBV openly. Faith leaders are taking action to challenge discrimination and strengthen safeguarding practices. Men are exploring healthier expressions of masculinity rooted in dignity, care, accountability, and respect. Young people are becoming recognised as leaders capable of driving social change in their communities.

In 2025, Seth received an interfaith theology award recognising his contribution to advancing gender justice across diverse faith contexts. While he views the recognition as a personal honour, he says it reflects the collective efforts of many faith leaders, communities, and organisations committed to building a more compassionate and just society. Those who have worked alongside Seth have witnessed this transformation firsthand. Dr Nontando Hadebe, who invited him into the Faith Action Collective, describes him as a leader whose commitment to justice has remained consistent throughout his career.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Hadebe notes that Seth embraced gender justice as a natural extension of his longstanding social justice work and continued to champion transformation despite resistance from some quarters. She describes him as a courageous leader whose commitment to dignity, equality, and social healing continues to strengthen the wider gender justice movement.

Participants in Seth’s programmes also speak of the personal impact of his work. Tiara Maistry says his workshops created safe and welcoming spaces where difficult conversations about justice, reconciliation, and equality could take place. She credits his authentic example of positive masculinity and faith-driven leadership with inspiring her own commitment to equality and advocacy.

Similarly, Kendi Mercy Muthomi highlights the influence of Seth’s mentorship on her growth as a facilitator and youth advocate. She says his ability to create reflective spaces for dialogue has helped participants challenge harmful norms, embrace inclusive leadership, and promote gender-transformative approaches in their communities. According to Muthomi, Seth’s mentorship continues to inspire leaders who carry justice, compassion, and hope into the spaces where they serve.

For Seth, the journey remains ongoing. He sees himself as both a learner and a practitioner, committed to building partnerships, nurturing future leaders, and supporting faith communities to become drivers of transformation. By equipping others to lead within their own communities, he believes change can continue to spread through a multiplier effect, creating a future where dignity, equality, compassion, and justice become lived realities for all.