Calling on SA men to say: “NOT IN MY NAME!”

Issue date: 07 August 2013

Our country is experiencing alarming levels of violence. On a daily basis we hear, see and read of the rape and killing of women and children or the horrific targeting of lesbians and the killing of men. Gender-based violence has reached unbearable proportions and, we, as men have to put a stop to it! Beyond curbing all manners of violence, men have a responsibility and opportunity to stem the spread of disease, including HIV and TB in our communities by actively adopting and promoting good health habits. Research shows that only 37% of men are aware of their HIV status, which explains the low number of men on anti-retroviral treatment.

Through the National Men’s Rally, which will be held on Saturday, 24th August 2013 from 09h00am at the Johannesburg Stadium, the SANAC men’s sector and the Brothers for Life campaign seeks to mobilise men from all walks of life to join together in proclaiming their stance against all kinds of violence and their commitment to curbing the spread of violence and disease in our communities. A large majority of men do not commit acts of abuse. However, their silence on this issue makes them accomplices on these crimes against women and humanity.

Under the theme “NOT IN MY NAME”, the rally seeks to get this majority of men not only to speak out against gender-based violence, but to actively demonstrate where they stand on the issue as well as the issues of individual, family and community health and welfare by completely rejecting gender inequalities, discrimination, violence, rape and poor health-seeking behaviours of men in our communities.

The rally aims to:

– Unite all South African men behind a pledge calling for all men to be actively at the forefront of curbing the spread of gender-based violence and to commit their support for women and children;

– Mobilise men to take up the challenge of testing regularly for HIV and other ailments, and to commit to protecting themselves and their loved ones from HIV infection; and

– Mobilise men to take the lead in changing negative social norms perpetuated in the name of culture and religion.

There will be a number of pick-up points between 06h00 – 07h00 a.m. en-route to the Johannesburg Stadium on the day of the Men’s Rally, 24th August 2013:

*Refreshments to be sold at the venue

For information contact SANAC Gauteng Men’s Sector:

Matshele Lekwe: 078 299 2298, 011 872 0992, Email: samag@live.co.za

Matome Kganakga: 083 417 2801, 011 483 2607, Email: mkganakga@azali.org.za