Ekangala's young man takes a stand against abuse

16 days of activism for no violence against women and children runs from 25 November to the 10th of December every year

This year marks the 26th year of the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children. One in three women in South African experiences abuse, and that is why 25 year old Nkosingiphile Nkosi of Ekangala Section H started the campaign, #NotUnderMyWatch to try and encourage men to stand up and protect the women next to them."I am the only male amongst females at home, I realized that if I do not stand up against abuse no one will," said Nkosi. He said that he was hit very hard by Karabo Mokoena's incident and seeing many women being abused without anyone doing anything.

The campaign was launched on Saturday,  09 December 2017 at the Kingdom life church in Dark City, Ekangala. The youth came out in their numbers to support this great initiative. Nkosi said that the protection of women should be an everyday thing, he said: "Never turn a blind eye, even if you may not be able to intervene, you can always report the matter to the police."
"My plan is to do this annually. I hope that the people who came here today had a change of attitude and mindset."

Inspired by Khumbul'ekhaya's Andile Gaelesiwe, Nomvula Sibanyoni* (18) was able to share her story at the event. She said that she was raped at the age of five, " I never knew anything when I was raped that is why I kept quite, I only understood that I was raped when I turned 12 years old," she said. She added that she was really delighted about the event."At last we are able to have events that raise awareness and we as victims and survivors of abuse are able to share our story with anyone without being judged, said Sibanyoni.

Sibanyoni said that talking is part of the healing process."The more you talk about what happened to you is the more you find healing for yourself. We should have more of these events so that other victims may we able to speak out too."

Ekangala resident, Bontle Masombuka said that she was happy about the event. "People need to get the message so that abuse can come to an end," she said. She said that she there is no way a lady can lead on a man to rape her by the way she dresses. "Each and every person should wear what makes them comfortable. No one has a right to rape you, it is wrong," said Masombuka.

The cast of South Africa's first made for cinema dance film, Hear Me Move also performed at the event. They are doing their educational theatre tour aimed at educating students across Gauteng about the dangers of gender based violence and bullying. Hear Me Move works hand in hand with Kwanele-Enuf is Enuf Campaign during this year's 16 days of activism to give platform to the youth

*Source's name withheld for her protection
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