REPORT: 

Situated in Bethelsdorp, 30 minutes west of Port Elizabeth, Heath Park Campus is one of eight campuses of the Eastcape Midlands TVET College (EMC).

  • There was huge interest in the #NoExcuse workshop and much dynamic interaction amongst the 300 plus students who attended.

  • The male students were vocal and the #NoExcuse message was echoed by many of them.

  • Some of the youth admitted to having being involved in various forms of substance abuse but were unanimous in their agreement with the message that being drunk or high is not an excuse to abuse women.

  • Students expressed a general lack of confidence in the law and order system and the psychological support provided for victims. Many felt that it is a waste of time reporting incidents as nothing would come of it. There was a strong feeling that this work should also be conducted in the community.

  • There was huge interest in the #NoExcuse workshop and much dynamic interaction amongst the 300 plus students who attended.

  • The male students were vocal and the #NoExcuse message was echoed by many of them.

  • Some of the youth admitted to having being involved in various forms of substance abuse but were unanimous in their agreement with the message that being drunk or high is not an excuse to abuse women.

  • Students expressed a general lack of confidence in the law and order system and the psychological support provided for victims. Many felt that it is a waste of time reporting incidents as nothing would come of it. There was a strong feeling that this work should also be conducted in the community.

What I learnt:

“To not use alcohol as an excuse to beat a woman.”

Luvuyo Mavikela, Student

“That before anything else we are all equally valuable human beings.”

Noma Mki, Student

“That change must start with me.”

Xola Binza, Student

Biggest challenges you face:

“Being seen as a disgrace just because I am male.”

Ishmael Tshawe, Student

“Being taken seriously as a woman.”

Giri Jacobs, Student

“Growing up without my biological parents.”

Abongile Mgcambu, Student

“Being beaten in the name of love.”

Aviwe Mantso, Student

What will you change?

“After this workshop I will treat females better.”

Ishmael Tshawe, Student

“Everything in my heart and soul.”

Vincent Mkuhlu, Student

“I will not be abusive verbally or emotionally.”

Siphu Jojana, Student

“I will become part of this movement to make change in our nation.”

Nthombi Makhozi, Student

“I will stop looking back at my dark past.”

Anele Charles, Student

“To always do what’s best for my partner not just me.”

Recolin Kamfer, Student

“To respect and listen to my partner.”

Vusumzi Dasi, Student

“To treat everyone with dignity and respect.”

Mzolisi Matebese, Student

“I will seek help before I ever raise a hand to a woman again.”

Kanya Xaso, Student

What I learnt:

“To not use alcohol as an excuse to beat a woman.”

Luvuyo Mavikela, Student

“That before anything else we are all equally valuable human beings.”

Noma Mki, Student

“That change must start with me.”

Xola Binza, Student

Biggest challenges you face:

“Being seen as a disgrace just because I am male.”

Ishmael Tshawe, Student

“Being taken seriously as a woman.”

Giri Jacobs, Student

“Growing up without my biological parents.”

Abongile Mgcambu, Student

“Being beaten in the name of love.”

Aviwe Mantso, Student

What will you change?

“After this workshop I will treat females better.”

Ishmael Tshawe, Student

“Everything in my heart and soul.”

Vincent Mkuhlu, Student

“I will not be abusive verbally or emotionally.”

Siphu Jojana, Student

“I will become part of this movement to make change in our nation.”

Nthombi Makhozi, Student

“I will stop looking back at my dark past.”

Anele Charles, Student

“To always do what’s best for my partner not just me.”

Recolin Kamfer, Student

“To respect and listen to my partner.”

Vusumzi Dasi, Student

“To treat everyone with dignity and respect.”

Mzolisi Matebese, Student

“I will seek help before I ever raise a hand to a woman again.”

Kanya Xaso, Student

“I learnt a lot today, on how not to abuse women, and how “no” is an answer.”

– Bonani Massims

WATCH A SHORT CLIP OF THE WORKSHOP