Chris Brown concert shines spotlight on violence against women in South Africa

Chris Brown, a well-known American singer, is set to perform in South Africa, and this has sparked a significant conversation about the alarming levels of violence against women in the country. Many people are excited about the concert, but there is also a strong backlash due to Brown's history of violence. In just a couple of hours, tickets for his concert at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, which is the largest stadium in Africa, were sold out. The demand was so high that a second concert date was added in December. However, this excitement is overshadowed by concerns from activists who believe that allowing Chris Brown to perform sends a harmful message, especially given South Africa's troubling statistics on gender-based violence. Sabina Walter, the executive director of Women for Change, expressed her shock and disappointment upon hearing the news of Brown's concert. She stated that the petition started by her organization aims to send a clear message that society will not tolerate the celebration of individuals with a history of violence against women. South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide and gender-based violence globally, with many cases going unreported. Walter emphasized that when someone like Chris Brown is given a platform in a country facing such a crisis, it sends a damaging message that fame and power can overshadow accountability. Chris Brown's most notorious incident occurred in 2009 when he assaulted singer Rihanna. He pleaded guilty to the charges and received a sentence that included probation and community service. Despite this, he has faced accusations of violence from other individuals as well. Women for Change is questioning how the Department of Home Affairs could grant a visa to someone with a history of abuse. Walter described this decision as concerning and indicative of a systemic failure. According to South African law, a previous conviction can lead to a visa denial, but exceptions can be made for 'good cause' as determined by the Director General of the Department of Home Affairs. Chris Brown has previously been banned from entering several countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, although he has managed to perform in some of these places later on. Despite the controversy, many of his fans in South Africa remain enthusiastic about the concert. Former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng shared her intention to attend the concert, stating that she is against gender-based violence but believes that enjoying music does not equate to endorsing the artist's past actions. She argued that music transcends individual actions and that boycotting the concert would not solve the issue of gender-based violence in South Africa. Phakeng clarified that attending the concert does not erase her moral stance against GBV. While this is not Chris Brown's first concert in South Africa, the excitement among fans is palpable. Some fans have expressed their willingness to go to great lengths to see him perform, even joking about taking loans for a meet-and-greet. However, Walter has faced threats for her campaign against Brown, highlighting the deep divide in society regarding the issue of violence against women. She noted that supporters of Chris Brown seem ready to defend him at any cost, and the backlash against her petition reveals a troubling disconnect in how society views violence against women. Walter warned that selective outrage can perpetuate a culture that excuses abusive behavior, especially when it comes to celebrities. President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the serious problem of gender-based violence in South Africa and has called on men to take a stand against it. Despite these calls for action, little has changed in the five years since he first addressed the issue. This year alone, Women for Change has honored over 200 women who have lost their lives to femicide. Walter emphasized that the fight against gender-based violence is not just about one concert; it is about changing the narrative in South Africa to ensure that abusers are held accountable and that violence against women is never overlooked or excused.