Boxers assist in empowering women and children

Their concerns about gender-based violence sparked the idea to host a self-defence program to empower women and children.

December 8, 2019

Jemma Buys 1 minute read

Amahle Mahlasela (left) and Harry Ramagoadi-Manaka

Benoni-based VIP Boxing Academy hosted a boxing and self-defence expo at Lakeside Mall on November 23.

“We have seen stories on the news about girls being raped in public places and asked ourselves where is it safe for women?” said Amahle Mahlasela, of the academy.

“Women in this country have to constantly live in fear with thoughts of am I next?”

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“You empower one women and you save a nation,” said Mahlasela.

They now offer classes to women, young girls and children where they are taught techniques they can use to save their lives one day if they find themselves in a situation that proves difficult to get out of.

The Lebina family competed against senseis and boxers, what a big day for them as they all walked away with prizes.

Katlego Lebina challenged a boxer in order to win a T-shirt.

Sensei Siyabulele Mgwadleka and sensei Thabo Mokoena demonstrated a few techniques to stop someone from shooting you from up-close.

Lucky Mashego, or Coach Lucky as everyone knows him, is the lead sensei and used the day of the expo to teach everyone ways of defending yourself.

Michael Buys challenged a VIP boxer to 50 diamond pushups and won himself a cap.

Benoni and Bantam weight champion Lwandile Sityata holding his titles.

The youngest competitor was also from the Lebina family, he kept up with a karateka.

Thabo Lebina had to do 20 pushups when he challenged the senseis.

The VIP Boxing Academy and their karate fighters and senseis.

Sensei Siya and sensei Thabo demonstrating another move for when you are attacked with a gun.

The senseis demonstrating another move for when you are attacked with a knife.

Katlego Lebina with a big smile while wearing his new shirt.

Senseis show how a knife attack can be blocked.

Titles won by the VIP Boxing Academy were on display.

The academy has professional boxers, qualified senseis, Krav Maga artists and legendary boxers who coach at the gym.

The expo was held to showcase what the academy has to offer and support the 16 days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

Boxers and karate experts offered tips and techniques, interacting with the crowd and doing live demonstrations.

Shoppers were encouraged to challenge a boxer or karate expert to put themselves in line to win prizes.

“I want to change South Africa for the better and I want people to be able to protect themselves or at least know how to protect themselves,” said Harry Ramagoadi-Manaka, owner of the academy.