Former Mister Southern Africa 2024, Future Nyoni, is turning his crown into a platform for change as he commemorates the fight against gender‑based violence (GBV). This comes along, as he joins the world in commemorating 16 days of Activism against GBV.

In an interview with My Afrika Magazine, Nyoni explained why the issue matters to him and how men can step up to prevent GBV, especially in a region where statistics are high.

He also reveled to this publication that one Southern African nation that tops the continent in GBV is South Africa.

“Recent data from a workshop I attended, it was disccused that 35.8 % of women have faced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, more than half of women. In a single quarter, 957 women were murdered, 1 567 survived attempted murder, and 10 191 rapes were reported. These aren’t just statistics,” Nyoni said.

He further added: “They are mothers, sisters, friends whose lives are shattered every day. I’ve seen it in my community, I’ve heard the stories, and I’ve realised that we, as men, have a critical role to play in stopping this violence. It’s not just about being a bystander; it’s about being a friend, and a brother.”

Nyoni emphasized that GBV is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal problem that requires response from everyone.

“We’ve been conditioned to think that GBV is a private matter, that it’s a family issue, or that it’s a cultural norm. The truth is, it’s a human‑rights violation that affects us all. It’s time for us to break the silence and speak out against GBV in all its forms,” he said.

He went on to describe how the culture of silence is reinforced by myths about masculinity that discourage men from intervening.

“When a friend makes a sexist joke, we have a choice: laugh along or call it out. Choosing the latter is a small act that can shift an entire conversation,” said Nyoni.

When asked how men can help, Nyoni painted a unique picture of how they can work with their communities.

“Without trying to fix, challenge jokes or attitudes that normalise control, believe survivors and offer practical support, and get involved with local NGOs or mentorship programs for young boys. Men have the power to rewrite the script. It starts with the small decisions such as refusing to stay silent when a friend makes a sexist comment or challenging a peer who thinks it’s okay to objectify women,” said Nyoni.

He added that true allyship also means using one’s privilege to amplify survivors’ voices rather than speaking over them.

Nyoni also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV, such as patriarchal norms, toxic masculinity, and harmful gender stereotypes.

“We need to redefine what it means to be a man,It’s not about dominating others or suppressing emotions; it’s about empathy, respect, and kindness. We need to teach our boys that violence is not a sign of strength, but a sign of weakness,” he said.

The former pageant king has adopted his favourite rallying cry that has become his slogan: “Together we can.”

He uses the phrase to underscore that the fight against GBV cannot be won by any single person, organization, or government.

“Together we can call for unity, together we can demand better laws, together we can create safe spaces, and together we can hold each other accountable. When we stand together men and women, young and old we become a force that can stop gender‑based violence. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to act now.”

Nyoni’s message is a call for unity across borders, cultures, and generations. He urges governments, civil society, and everyday citizens to stand together men and women, young and old to create a safety net that no abuser can break.