In a quest to build a better society and men with dignity, Nyanga Men Empowerment (NME) held a peaceful march on Friday 9 December.
The march formed part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which wrapped up on Saturday 10 December.
Young men and boys walked through the streets distributing and brandishing posters against gender-based violence (GBV).
“Kwanele”, “Men against GBV”, “Masisebenze sonke silwe ubundlobongela”, read some of the posters.
Khwezi Tyatyam, the NME chair, described the march as a way of sending a strong message to the perpetrators of violence against women and children. He called for the 16 Days of Activism campaign to go beyond 16 days.
“Our aim is to change the perception that men have against women. Men mustn’t see women as punching bags or sex objects. We are aiming to go beyond 16 days and to ensure we keep empowering the community,” said Tyatyam.
NME is a non-governmental organisation that grooms boys and young men to become responsible men.
Tyatyam said GBV affected both men and women. He encouraged men to report their abusive partners to the police. “We don’t condone men who are beating women or abusing children. We are saying no to GBV. Enough is enough. We want to see these young men becoming role models in the community,” said Tyatyam.
He identified alcohol as having an impact on GBV. He stated that many people become reckless and violent when they are under the influence of liquor.
Tyatyam urged motorists to drive safely and stop drinking and driving during the festive holidays.
NME member Abulele May (19) from Zwelitsha said he learned a lot from the organisation in a short period. “I joined the organisation early in November. We were taught about respect, how we treat women etc. Also, we are encouraged to stay away from substance abuse and gangsterism,” said May.