Marchers from organisations across Tshwane, escorted by a phalanx of police cadets, took part in this morning’s #100MenMarch.
The march, organised by the Government Communications, GCIS, and involving government departments, the City of Tshwane, NGOs, the legal fraternity and religious leaders, marked the start of a new campaign to end violence against women and children.
Inspired by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “Thuma Mina” (or send me) campaign - and commemorating the lives of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu, the #100MenMarch followed along Madiba Street to the lawns of the Union Buildings.
GCIS’s Phumla Williams said the #100MenMarch urges South Africans to join a movement for positive change by standing up against violence and abuse and working together for positive change.
People make their way down Madiba Street in the #100MenMarch. Video: Damian Paterson
Marchers from GCIS wore bibs with the message “Send Me to build the Mzansi (South Africa) I want”.
Social activist Yusuf Abrambjee teamed up with the Pretoria News in support of the march, and 100 T-shirts bearing the #PretoriaNews120 and #MakeSASafe logos - with the message “Stop violence against women and children” - were given out to marchers who also held up newspaper posters calling for an end to abuse.
Outside the Pretoria News, marchers could add their signature to a pledge board. The pledge reads:
“I pledge to help end the culture of silence that accompanies violence and abuse.
I pledge not to commit violence and to act when I see violence against women and children.
I pledge to teach those in my care the values of human dignity, equality and respect