REPORT: 

Situated on the North Coast of KZN just over 100 Kms from Durban, Mandeni is one of 11 campuses that make up Umfolozi TVET College. The workshop was held just a week after the end of the TVET teacher’s strike and the atmosphere was still a little unsettled.

  • The campus does not have a hall but staff were proactive in arranging a tent with chairs for the #NoExcuse event. The campus draws its students from the surrounding rural areas and many struggle with English.

  • Many of the campus staff were present for the workshop. Ms. Nontobeko Ngcobo of student affairs welcomed the #NoExcuse team and highlighted the importance of the workshop to the students.

  • The students were extremely active and lively throughout the session, with 1 student performing poetry and others volunteering to clean the tent after the workshop.

  • The Student Representative Council assisted with distribution of T-shirts and material to students and with the circulation of the register.

  • 161 signed on register, 59 questionnaires returned, 26 pre-surveys returned, 8 post-surveys returned.

  • The campus does not have a hall but staff were proactive in arranging a tent with chairs for the #NoExcuse event. The campus draws its students from the surrounding rural areas and many struggle with English.

  • Many of the campus staff were present for the workshop. Ms. Nontobeko Ngcobo of student affairs welcomed the #NoExcuse team and highlighted the importance of the workshop to the students.

  • The students were extremely active and lively throughout the session, with 1 student performing poetry and others volunteering to clean the tent after the workshop.

  • The Student Representative Council assisted with distribution of T-shirts and material to students and with the circulation of the register.

  • 161 signed on register, 59 questionnaires returned, 26 pre-surveys returned,
    8 post-surveys returned.

What will you change after this workshop?

“I WILL TREAT EVERYBODY RIGHT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE BEEN TREATED BADLY.”

Bongisipho, Student

“I WILL ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF WOMEN.”

Kwanele, Student

“TO RESPECT WOMEN AS I RESPECT MYSELF.”

Sibonelo, Student

“I WILL SPEAK UP IF I SEE ANY KIND OF ABUSE.”

Hlengiwe, Student

“MY ATTITUDE TOWARDS WOMEN.”

Simphiwe, Student

“FROM NOW ON I WILL SPEAK UP.”

Londiwe, Student

The biggest challenges you face:

“EMOTIONAL ABUSE.”

Emma, Student

“MY FATHER BEATS US WHEN HE COMES HOME DRUNK.”

Simukeisiwe, Student

“MEN ARE OVERPOWERING US.”

Emma, Student

“ABUSE IN OUR HOMES, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY.”

Sebenzile, Student

What will you change after this workshop?

“I WILL TREAT EVERYBODY RIGHT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE BEEN TREATED BADLY.”

Bongisipho, Student

“I WILL ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF WOMEN.”

Kwanele, Student

“TO RESPECT WOMEN AS I RESPECT MYSELF.”

Sibonelo, Student

“I WILL SPEAK UP IF I SEE ANY KIND OF ABUSE.”

Hlengiwe, Student

“MY ATTITUDE TOWARDS WOMEN.”

Simphiwe, Student

“FROM NOW ON I WILL SPEAK UP.”

Londiwe, Student

The biggest challenges you face:

“EMOTIONAL ABUSE.”

Emma, Student

“MY FATHER BEATS US WHEN HE COMES HOME DRUNK.”

Simukeisiwe, Student

“MEN ARE OVERPOWERING US.”

Emma, Student

“ABUSE IN OUR HOMES, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY.”

Sebenzile, Student

“I salute you if you’re a man who protects his wife and children.”

– Wongani Mgwali

WATCH A SHORT CLIP OF THE WORKSHOP