Taximen want Mzansi to know that violence against women and children isn’t cool. And four men from Bata association made their point with a flashy fashion statement. THEY ARRIVED AT THE RANK TO DO THEIR DAILY WORK . . . WEARING DRESSES!
“We know that women are being abused and killed daily. We’re tired of all the horrific stories we read about.”
Some even wore high heels.
People across the country have now described the Free State taxi drivers as heroes.
Moeketsi Tjekele, Zondani Debele, Mosala Mabeleng, and Selebogo Finger from the Botshabelo Amalgamated Taxi Association told Daily Sun that the aim was to stand in solidarity with women.
“We know that women are being abused and killed daily. We’re tired of all the horrific stories we read about.
“We want to see an end to that,” said Mosala spotting a navy dress, pantyhose and high heels.
He said the idea came to them when they were sitting at the taxi rank talking about gender-based violence.
“We decided we could no longer keep quiet. We agreed to wear dresses like women and write messages of support on our taxis,” he said.
The messages on their taxis read, “No more!” and “I put my best foot forward to stand against women and child abuse” and “enough is enough”.
The men told Daily Sun passengers were fascinated when they saw them dressed like women.
“When we told them why they were impressed. Some took pictures with us and encouraged us to continue spreading the message,” said Moeketsi, dressed in an orange dress.
He said the violence was destroying their image as men.
“Instead of trusting us, women fear us. There’s no need for women to be treated badly just because they can’t protect themselves.”
Wearing a blue dress, Selebogo Finger, said a man should always protect a woman.
“What we see is the opposite of that. Men should go back to their basics.”
Zondani Debele said women needed to be treated like queens.
“They need to be taken care of, not abused,” he said.
Other taximen said they were shocked when they saw the fellow drivers rocking up in women’s dresses, but were impressed by their bravery.
“The taxi industry is dominated by men,” said taximan Ndlovu Gatsheni (45).
“What our brothers did was good. If we in the industry are talking about this, the violence might stop because this is a man to man message.”
Asked if they had experienced incidents where their family members were victim of gender-based violence, the taximen said no. They said they only wanted to create awareness.
Passenger Moipone Selepe (33) said: “This is great. We appreciate these guys for standing with us. The abuse and killing of women in the country is too much.”
Cynthia Matotong (29) said: “My sister was raped and killed. For that, I hated all men but when I see men doing something like this, I’m hopeful that one day women won’t live in fear of being raped or killed.”
) Mzansi has been shocked by almost daily occurrences of women being murdered by men. Among others it was UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana (19) who was raped and killed at the post office and Capricorn TVET college student from Limpopo, Precious Ramabulana, who was stabbed 52 times.
These incidents left the country reeling in shock, with many campaigns being run to tackle abuse.
In other news – Inside Blue and Brown Mbombo’s 30th birthday celebration – Pictures
A birthday is the anniversary of the birth of a person, or figuratively of an institution. Birthdays of people are celebrated in numerous cultures, often with birthday gifts, birthday cards, a birthday party, or a rite of passage.
Popular models and twins Blue and Brown Mbombo recently turned 30 and they celebrated their birthday in style at the luxurious Munro Boutique hotel in Johannesburg. continue reading
Source: Daily Sun
