In South Africa, safety is a daily concern. Whether we like it or not, crime stats are part of our everyday reality, from hijackings and robberies to violent assaults. When we talk about personal safety, the focus often falls on women. But here’s something most people don’t realise: men in South Africa are actually more likely to be victims of violent crime than women. The stats clearly show this to be true, and it’s something HR, Wellness, and Safety Managers need to start thinking seriously about.
Despite the high risk, very few men take the time to learn practical self-defense skills. As a company, that’s an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient team, especially among your male workforce. Here’s why many men avoid self-defense training, and why that needs to change:
Many men believe physical strength is enough to keep them safe. If they hit the gym or used to play rugby, they think they’ll manage if trouble comes their way. But real-life violence doesn’t work like it does in movies. Strength alone can’t prepare you for a hijacking, armed robbery, or someone pulling a knife on you. Self-defense is about smart decisions, awareness, quick thinking, and using the environment, not brute force.
There’s a big misconception that self-defense training is mainly for women. But criminals don’t discriminate. In fact, men are often targeted in some of the most violent scenarios:
These aren’t rare situations, they are real risks many South African men face regularly. And without training, most don’t know how to react.
Let’s be real: for many men, there’s still a bit of “I don’t need that” attitude. Some might feel self-conscious joining a self-defense class. They think it makes them look weak. But here’s the truth, there’s nothing weak about being prepared. In fact, the most responsible thing a man can do is learn how to protect himself, his colleagues, and his family when things go wrong. Imagine one of your team members is with his partner or child during a violent incident. Will he know what to do?
A lot of men don’t actually know what self-defense training covers. It’s not just punches and flashy moves. Real self-defense is about:
These are life skills, not just martial arts moves. And they are highly relevant in the South African context.
This is probably the biggest barrier: denial. Most people believe violent crime is something that happens to “other people.” But every day, ordinary South African men are caught in extraordinary situations:
Self-defense training is not about fear. It’s about confidence and control. It’s about equipping your staff with the mental and physical skills to make better decisions in critical moments.
If you’re an HR, Wellness, or Safety Manager, this is a call to action. Organising self-defense training for your male employees could save a life. It's a practical, proactive way to build resilience and reinforce your company's commitment to wellbeing. And it’s not just about the individual, it boosts team morale, sharpens focus, and gives your people real tools to use both inside and outside of work. So, why not take the lead? Bring in a professional trainer. Run a workshop. Start with one session. You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes one of the most valued initiatives on your wellness calendar. In South Africa, preparation isn’t paranoia – it’s essential.