MEC plans to name, shame abusive men
Women urged to be more vocal
Gauteng community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has vowed to launch a name and shame campaign against women abusers. Nkosi-Malobane told dozens of women gathered at the Saint George’s hotel in Doornkloof, Pretoria, for a genderbased violence dialogue that it was important that abusers were exposed.
“I don’t care if you are Mduduzi Manana or Mampintsha, I will challenge you,” said Nkosi-Malobane, urging women not to “sugar-coat” abuse. “For us to deal with genderbased violence is to be as honest as possible. As long as we have women defending abusers of other women, we will not win this war.” Musicians Arthur Mafokate and Mandla Maphumulo, popularly known as Mampintsha, were among men whose names were read out as abusers by women in the entertainment industry yesterday. Maphumulo was recently arrested for allegedly assaulting his singer girlfriend Bongekile “Babes Wodumo” Simelane.
The video of the incident went viral on social media. Mafokate also stand accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Busisiwe “Cici” Thwala. Activist and TV presenter Andile Gaelesiwe broke down and cried when she spoke of the abuse that women go through daily.
“If you know that someone committed a crime against someone’s body and you keep quiet because they are your friend or associate, you are as guilty. We know in our industry you are never going to go where you want before you open your legs,” she said. Gaelesiwe said there will be no change until a sexual harassment policy is adopted in the industry.
Thwala told the audience that she spoke out about abuse because she had had enough. “I told myself to never be afraid to start over. Even if it means I have to go and join Idols queues, I will do it. Today I am liquidating the company [I was contracted to] to get my money.” Nkosi-Malobane said she would rally behind Gugu Ncube, who recently staged a nude protest against sexual abuse at the Union Buildings. She was later arrested for indecent assault.
The dialogue resolved among others that there should be a name and shame day where abusers will be exposed.
If you keep quiet about an abusive friend, you are as guilty