More can be done by men to protect women and children

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence kicked off with a friendly football match at George Goch Hostel Stadium on November 25.

Director Ntwezinhle’s Nest, Ngqungqulu ‘Ntwezinhle’ Mchunu organised men from the hostel and Maskandi music artists to play against each other.

There were talks among the men before the match, which included the Ward 65 Clr Nkosikhona Khanyile making a few remarks.

The dialogue was about the causes and outcomes of GBV in women and children in the community as a whole.
Khanyile said, “Thank you for showing interest in this year’s GBV campaign. We know the challenges we face here in South Africa. It affects all of us.

“This is a difficult time of the year. But, as men, it is our duty to participate in such programmes and help to keep women and children safe.

“We need to talk among ourselves. We can help each other if we discuss it. Someone might have a problem for which you can find a solution,” he said.

He also touched on men’s sexuality and urged them to open up to their peers.

Hostel dweller Sanele Sokhela, who originates from Msinga, thanked them for the opportunity. “Times are tough and it is important to have something that keeps you together. This game will help us to unite and talk among ourselves. As men, we promise that we will be agents of activism against GBV and not only for 16 days but for 365 days,” he said.

Siyabonga ‘Nkosi YamaGoso’ Masango from Nongoma, who is part of the Maskandi music artists, acknowledged that women and children are important.

“Some of the GBV emanates from hearsay. As men, we must not listen to other people about our loved ones. We also urged women to dress appropriately as other men are provoked. Men must control their alcohol intake as it leads to GBV,” he said.

Mchunu thanked both teams that participated in the game.

“There were Maskandi artists from Carltonville. I would like also to thank the people from George Goch Hostel who supported us, as well as the warm welcome from councillor Khanyile who said together we can improve our lives by respecting one another.

“I can’t forget the Gauteng Department of Sports which sponsored us with soccer kits. The game was exciting, with Maskandi winning 3-2. Many thanks to Lungani Percy Ntanzi who was broadcasting our game,” he said.

Ntwezinhle’s Nest was established in 2015. It works with up-and-coming traditional music artists.

For more information, contact Ntwezinhle Mchunu at ntwezinhlesnest@gmail.com or on 078 309 3608.