Craig Wilkinson is the founder of the group. “We get men to talk, to process their feelings,” he explains.
“And as they do, this healing takes place. And the second phase is teaching and training positive masculinity.
“We ultimately hope that this will eliminate the scourge of gender-based violence.”
He stands up, moving into the centre of the group, calling out to the men.
“You as a man are a powerful force for good,” he tells them. “You choose what kind of man you want to be. Women need to be safe.”
Father A Nation operates across South Africa, teaching healthy masculinity and running training programmes across dozens of schools and colleges.
Mystery surrounds the spate of murders which has sparked South Africa’s latest moment of soul-searching about the safety of its women.
Police have not ruled out potential links between some of the Ekurhuleni deaths but have not said they are investigating a serial killer. Suspects in some of the cases have appeared in court.
But the spate of deaths has sparked new concerns and in Organic Market some women are more fearful than ever.
Outside a nearby shack Linkie listens with interest as she cleans clothes in a large metal bucket.
“We are not safe when we are outside our place,” she says.
“We are afraid when we see a car behind us when we walk. We feel afraid. We feel scared. What if this guy’s going to kidnap me or do something to me?”
It is a feeling shared by many women here. In the local hair salon, sporting a mane of thick pink braids, is Providence Maseko.
She comes to the door to speak to Bra Steve.
