As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence comes to a close, #NoExcuse underscores its enduring commitment to the 2023 campaign. Beyond the annual global initiative, the movement continues its mission to effect lasting change, transcending the 16-day timeframe.
This year’s campaign zeroes in on the alarming statistic that every 63 seconds, a woman in South Africa becomes a victim of abuse. The Carling Knockout Cup Final was stopped at the 63rd second of the match to raise awareness of this shocking statistic and in solidarity with the victims. Players of the two Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams came together for a photo moment as a symbolic gesture for men coming together to boldly state that there is #NoExcuse for woman abuse. The #NoExcuse movement, initiated in 2017, leverages its influence to confront the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV).
The #NoExcuse Champions for Change course, a centrepiece of the campaign, has seen 43 850 individuals engage in transformative conversations around positive masculinity, personal growth, and healthier relationships. This free course, available in multiple languages, provides practical tools to contribute to societal change.
Coach Steve Komphela, an influential PSL football coach and mentor, plays a pivotal role in the 2023 campaign. While explaining his views about the role of mentorship in inspiring positive change among men, Coach Komphela said: “Mentorship plays a crucial role in inspiring positive change among men. As a mentor and leader, I believe in guiding individuals towards personal growth, fostering a culture of respect, and instilling values that contribute to a positive society.”
The Swallows FC coach also acknowledged that the recent in-stadia moment of silence with the 63 seats execution at King Zwelithini and Moses Mabhida Stadium during the semi-finals signifies a powerful collaboration by Carling Black Label, the PSL, and broadcast partners.. This collective effort sends a strong message, raising awareness about gender-based violence and encouraging a united stand against this pervasive issue.”
While reflecting on his experience as a PSL football coach, he revealed that he has “witnessed the profound influence that football can have on society. Football serves as a powerful platform to address gender-based violence by promoting messages of respect, empathy, and positive masculinity. Through the sport, we can engage fans and players alike in conversations that contribute to lasting societal change.”
Dr. Musa Mthombeni, a renowned media personality and medical doctor, contributes to the campaign by embodying positive masculinity. “Positive masculinity, for me, is about breaking away from the traditional norms that have defined masculinity in our society. It’s not about false bravado or exerting control; it’s about looking inward, acknowledging weaknesses, and continuously learning and growing to become a better, more positive human being.”
While discussing his involvement with #NoExcuse and his views on how influential figures should lend their voices and influence to address gender-based violence, Dr. Mthombeni said “As someone in a position to influence, I am glad to lend my voice to movements like #NoExcuse. It’s not just about the 16 Days of Activism; it’s a year-round conversation. Beyond shaming, it’s about fostering discussions and changing perspectives, instilling values that encourage respectful interactions, and making it clear that there’s no excuse for abuse.
TT Mbha, a recent addition to the #NoExcuse movement, brings his focus on mentorship to the campaign. He emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship. “I do believe that mentorship is something that we should be looking at, even from a career point of view. We want to build a nation of good men, you know, good boys, people who are just kind and showcase love everywhere they go.”
TT highlighted the impact of education and action in shaping a society free from gender-based violence, TT Mbha said, “Undertaking the Champions for Change cause is a significant step. Yeah, definitely. I mean, I actually took a moment as I was taking the Champions for Change course and reflected on some of the questions that affect me personally as a man, as someone who used to be a boy.
TT Mbha believes that there must be a way of combating the impact of gender-based violence that is destroying women and children. “It can’t be that every 63 seconds a woman is exposed to gender-based violence. We cannot normalize that. And the more conversations we have and the more we engage with men and women about gender-based violence, the more we can actually get to the solutions, and let’s have those uncomfortable conversations.”
Beyond symbolic gestures in stadiums, like the Carling Knockout Cup being stopped in the 63 second, a moment of silence observed before the game and the recent creation of the number 63 using 100 seats in solidarity with victims, #NoExcuse resonates with these allies. Their commitment extends beyond the 16 Days of Activism, advocating for continuous societal engagement. Visual reminders, digital installations in taverns, and collaboration with the Premier Soccer League amplify the campaign’s reach.
#NoExcuse efforts transcend traditional campaigns, as evident in collaborations with Father A Nation and Lifeline. These partnerships highlight the movement’s dedication to fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and positive masculinity by providing champion workshops to facilitate the course to men across the country
In acknowledgment of the 63-Second Reminder campaign, Coach Steve Komphela states, “Football mirrors society, and through #NoExcuse, we’re demonstrating unity on and off the field. Every 63 seconds, we’re reminded that stopping gender-based violence requires collective action.”
The digital installation ’63 Seconds’ in taverns serves as a crucial awareness tool. Paired with free Wi-Fi hotspots, it encourages
Patrons to engage with the Champions for Change course. By strategically placing these installations in GBV hotspots, #NoExcuse intertwines the campaign with the places where its message needs to be heard, creating awareness and driving engagement.
The six virtues of positive masculinity, featured on beer packs, integrate education seamlessly into the consumer experience. QR codes direct consumers to the full Champions for Change course, promoting a deeper understanding of gender-based violence and actionable steps to combat it.
To date,43 850 individuals have completed the transformative Champions for Change full course. #NoExcuse urges all South Africans to take the abridged course, unpacking gender-based violence and collective societal actions.
The 2023 #NoExcuse campaign underscores the movement’s dedication to combating gender-based violence. Engagement with men through innovative tactics seeks to make a meaningful impact on societal attitudes, fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and positive masculinity.
DID YOU KNOW?
About the #NoExcuse campaign:
The #NoExcuse Campaign, initiated in 2017 by Carling Black Label, is a transformative initiative dedicated to combating gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Going beyond the annual 16 Days of Activism, the campaign addresses the alarming statistic that every 63 seconds, a woman in South Africa experiences abuse.
Leveraging Carling Black Label’s influence as the country’s largest beer brand, #NoExcuse engages men through innovative tactics to bring about lasting change in societal attitudes.
The campaign’s focal point is the Champions for Change course, which has seen widespread participation and serves as a tool for education, fostering positive masculinity, and promoting healthier relationships.
For further details and resources, visit https://www.noexcusesa.com/ to join the movement in building a culture of understanding and compassion, working towards a society free from gender-based violence.
INFO SUPPLIED.
