Real Man Foundation
Real Man Foundation is a Limpopo-based NPO working to end gender-based violence in the Vhembe District and beyond. Founded in 2020, they support all survivors of GBV — women, men, and children — through case assistance, community dialogues, advocacy, and direct engagement with police and prosecutors on GBV cases.
Contact & Location
- Itani Calvin Nengudza
- Stand 712, Tsianda, Levubu, Limpopo, 0929
Opening Hours
Opening hours not available. Contact the organisation directly.
About
About Real Man Foundation
Real Man Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in November 2020 by Itani Calvin Nengudza, based in Levubu in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. The organisation was established in direct response to South Africa's escalating GBV and femicide crisis, particularly in Limpopo — a province whose crime statistics have deteriorated significantly in recent years. Their motto is: "A real man does not abuse women and children, but seeks help when he has problems."
While the organisation is led by men and takes a strong male-engagement approach to GBV prevention, their services are explicitly open to all survivors regardless of gender.
Services and Support
The Foundation receives and assists survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, child access disputes, and sexual violence. Cases are accepted directly from community members, and the organisation connects survivors with appropriate services including police, courts, and the Department of Social Development. They have demonstrated active case-following, including submitting formal complaints to the Director of Public Prosecutions where they believe survivors are being failed by the justice system.
The Foundation hosts community dialogues and men's forums across communities in Limpopo, bringing together law enforcement, researchers, and community members to address GBV collaboratively. These events have drawn senior government officials including the Limpopo Social Development MEC and the South African Police Minister.
Male Engagement and Survivor Support
A distinctive feature of Real Man Foundation's work is their focus on male survivors of GBV, a severely underserved population. Nengudza has noted that men who remain silent about abuse they experience are at elevated risk of either becoming perpetrators themselves or taking their own lives. The Foundation actively reduces the stigma around men seeking help, and has reported that the majority of cases brought to them — including during high-volume months — involve men as the primary complainants.
Community Reach
The Foundation operates primarily in the Vhembe District, including Thohoyandou, Levubu, and surrounding villages. Their work is regularly covered by local media including the Limpopo Mirror and Health-e News, and they have established working relationships with the SAPS, DPP, and Department of Social Development.