Thabazimbi Men Lead the Charge Against GBVF: Karabelo GBVF Response Programme Hosts Three-Day Activation for 16 Days of Activism

Thabazimbi Men Lead the Charge Against GBVF: Karabelo GBVF Response Programme Hosts Three-Day Activation for 16 Days of Activism

Thabazimbi, Limpopo – The Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI), in partnership with The Ward Foundation, Lovelife, SUDI, Anova Health Institute, Northam Victim Empowerment (NVE), the Department of Social Development Limpopo (DSD Limpopo), the South African Police Service (SAPS & FCS Unit), the Department of Health, Thabazimbi Local Municipality, traditional and religious leaders, youth structures, Community Policing Forums, and ward committees and funded by the SIOC-Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) will host a three-day programme from 03–05 December 2025 to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Thabazimbi Men Lead the Charge Against GBVF: Karabelo GBVF Response Programme Hosts Three-Day Activation for 16 Days of Activism

The activities form part of the Karabelo GBVF Response Programme, a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to reduce gender-based violence by empowering young women and girls, promoting positive masculinity, and strengthening community structures for protection, accountability, and healing.

Three Days of Action: Mobilising Men for Change

Day 1: Men for Change Community Dialogue – 03 December 2025

Male champions, SAPS representatives, counsellors, faith leaders, and youth activists will engage in a facilitated dialogue on issues such as intergenerational trauma, emotional regulation, consent, conflict resolution, and raising boys differently. Participants will reflect and identify local male champions committed to sustaining community-driven anti-GBVF efforts.

Day 2: Men’s March – Walk of Commitment Against GBVF – 04 December 2025

A public march will bring together men and boys from across Thabazimbi to demonstrate collective accountability and solidarity with survivors of GBVF. Participants will publicly sign commitment pledges promoting respect, safety, and non-violence.

Day 3: Main Event – Men’s Engagement Dialogue & Commitment Ceremony – 05 December 2025

The final day will feature:

  • Opening remarks by SCI, SIOC-CDT, and local leadership
  • A high-level panel discussion exploring masculinity, respect, mental health, and violence prevention
  • Breakaway reflection and action-planning sessions
  • A symbolic Commitment Ceremony, including candle lighting and the signing of the Men’s Accountability Charter
  • Performances, testimonies, and exhibitions by local service providers

Building Safer Communities Through Men’s Leadership

Through these engagements, partners aim to create safe spaces for men and boys to confront harmful norms, reflect on their roles in society, and commit to building environments where women and girls live free from fear and violence.

“This programme demonstrates how men can be powerful allies in shifting behaviour, challenging patriarchal norms, and co-creating safer communities,” said Soul City Institute’s Communications Officer, Akona Zibonti. “We are proud to work alongside our partners and the Thabazimbi community to inspire meaningful, long-term change.”

The Karabelo GBVF Response Programme reflects a collective commitment to accountability, healing, and prevention critical pillars in South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence.

Media Contact

Alson Ngoveni
Soul City Institute
Email: alson@soulcity.org.za

Issued by:
Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI)
www.soulcity.org.za

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