CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE.
The #NoExcuse campaign was started by Carling Black Label in 2017 and FAN was tasked by ABInBev in 2018 with the on-the-ground roll-out of the movement to communities around South Africa. Working closely wth CBL we developed a multi-pronged strategy to maximise the effectiveness of the #NoExcuse messaging across the nation. Called the Champions for Change programme it focusses on transforming men and equipping and inspiring them to use their strength to love, serve, protect and provide. The programme continues to evolve as we take on board the response of communities and participants. Some of the key elements are: Champ Camps, Champion Conversations, TVET Workshops, Soccer Tournaments, Tavern and Community events.
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- Eastern Cape
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- KwaZulu Natal
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- Mpumalanga
- Nationwide
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- Northern Cape
- Online Course
- Soccer Events
- Talent
- Taverns
- Testimonials
- Whatsapp Help Line
Stories and Testimonials 2023
Hearing authentic, real-life stories from the men and women whose lives have been impacted by the #NOEXCUSE on-the-ground roll-out is the greatest reward for our efforts. And it is also compelling evidence that the programme is making a significant difference. Here are some of the stories our team has had the privilege of being a part of.
Stories and Testimonials 2021
Hearing authentic, real-life stories from the men and women whose lives have been impacted by the #NOEXCUSE on-the-ground roll-out is the greatest reward for our efforts. And it is also compelling evidence that the programme is making a significant difference. Here are some of the stories our team has had the privilege of being a part of.
Stories and Testimonials 2020
Being in conversation with thousands of men has made us privy to countless heart-rending stories and revealed many of the deep challenges that men in our country are facing. Our team has had the privilege of playing a small part in helping men improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
On-The-Ground Team
As of December 2020, FAN’s in-the-field team consisted of 10 active mentors (3 in Cape Town, 4 in Limpopo, 1 in KZN and 2 in Alex), a Cape Town regional coordinator / facilitator, a Johannesburg based project supervisor and Johannesburg based trainer and facilitator.
16 Days of Activism 2020
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 | The #RenewALLVows campaign was launched during 16 Days of Activism with live events in each of four provinces.
Community Events
JULY - DECEMBER 2020 | 24 EVENTS | OVER 2300 ATTENDEES | As lockdown measures were eased the mentors gingerly started running small community events and activations to keep spreading the message and growing the impact, always careful to maintain Covid-19 protocols.
Online Courses
AUGUST - DECEMBER 2020 | 3396 ENROLMENTS | 1224 COMPLETIONS | OVER 40 WORKSHOPS | During lockdown we began the process of developing an online version of the #NoExcuse and 6 Pack booklets. We launched the #NoExcuse online course officially during Women’s Month and have subsequently created Zulu, Afrikaans and Sotho versions.
Women’s Month Campaign
7-31 AUGUST 2020 | 1,161 COURSE SIGN UPS | 152,004 ONLINE ENGAGEMENTS | For Woman’s Month, August 2020, we took a bold step in honour of women. In partnership with Carling Black Label we created and launched the #NoExcuse For Abuse Online course.
Media Engagements
JUNE - DECEMBER 2020 | A number of interviews on radio and TV during 2020 helped keep the #NOEXCUSE message alive in the public arena. Here are a few of the bigger ones that FAN was a key part of.
Bravest Thing Campaign
APRIL - DECEMBER 2020 | 16 MENTORS | APPROX 10,500 MEN SEEKING HELP | During the first COVID-19 Lockdown, CBL decided to launch a campaign called 'The Bravest Thing' to provide a helpline for men and women who were either victims of abuse or perpetrators / potential perpetrators.
Champion Conversations
FEBRUARY - DECEMBER 2020 | 16 MENTORS | 316 CONVERSATIONS | The plan for 2020 was to train 16 mentors from four different regions (Alex, KZN, Cape Town and Limpopo) to run a series of six conversations with groups of men in their communities.
Corporate Involvement
Organisations and corporations represent a great opportunity to amplify and spread the #NOEXCUSE message and we have been actively engaged in seeking partnerships in both the public and private sector. Here are some of the organisations that we have begun to partner with.
Alex #NoExcuse Talent
May - November 2019 | A round up of Alexandra's Music, Art and Poetry entries supporting the "#NoExcuse For Woman Abuse" message.
Champ Camp, Harrismith (FS)
1-3 November 2019 | Attendees: 90 | Arriving at the beautiful Platberg Eco Park just outside Harrismith on Friday night the group displayed a mix of anxiety and scepticism but by early Saturday morning were fully committed and engaged with the process.
Champ Camp, Harrismith (KZN)
25-27 October 2019 | Attendees 73 | After being welcomed at the lovely Platberg Eco Park with a through briefing and opening circle the men were divided into groups to begin their weekend adventure.
Soccer Event, Polokwane
19 October 2019 | Attendees 1400 | On a hot Saturday morning a disappointing 47 teams of 72 that had committed arrived to compete in the FAN #NoExcuse tournament in Polokwane
Vaal University of Technology
3 October 2019 | Attendees: 90 | Two sessions were held on the same day, a morning session ran from 10h00 to 12h00 at the Desmond Tutu Hall and an evening session from 17h00 to 19h00 at the VUT Lapa Lounge.
Soccer Event, Alex
24 September 2019 | Attendees: 1600 | On a bustling Alexandra township Saturday morning 61 of 80 teams that had signed up arrived to play ball in this six-a-side FAN #NoExcuse Soccer tournament.
NWU Potchefstroom, 17/09
17 September 2019 | Attendees: 1200 | The FAN #NoExcuse team were asked to address this special gathering of students set up to specifically address the recent high profile cases of Gender Based Violence.
Champ Camp, Sedgefield
13-15 September 2019 | Attendees: 41 | The camp was held at Willowpoint, the lush and scenic headquarters of Outward Bound South Africa. As the weekend progressed the men’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of the process grew.
Tavern Event, T&M Liquor Store, Alex
8 September 2019 | Attendees: 140 | The event kicked off at 13h00 on Sunday with men lining up to receive a #NoExcuse T-Shirt. The #NoExcuse message delivered by FAN was well received by all in attendance and the pledge taken with enthusiasm.
Tavern Event, Viv’s Corner, Alex
7 September 2019 | Attendees 120 | We set up at Viv’s corner on Saturday 12h00 and men started filtering in almost immediately. The owner of the Tavern was a great supporter of the event and we asked him to say a few words as we kicked off.
Champ Camp, Limpopo
23-25 August 2019 | Attendees: 90 | This Champ Camp was held in the closing weeks of winter at the stunning Lapa Lala Wilderness reserve famous for its success in Rhino conservation. Participants ranged in age from 25 to 83 and included two men with disabilities. We were immediately impressed by their level of passion, humility and engagement.
Soccer Event, Kimberley
10 August 2019 | Attendees: 1000 | On a dusty winter’s morning 56 of 80 teams that had committed arrived to compete in this six-a-side soccer tournament. Proceedings started with the customary #NoExcuse message delivered by FAN and the players standing to take the pledge.
Alex Men’s March
9 August 2019 | Attendees: 900+ | The Takuwani Riime Foundation (formerly the Alex men’s forum) approached us with the idea of a men’s march through Alex on women’s day to pledge the support of men for women. They did an outstanding job of organising the event and pulled together all the relevant organisations and officials to make it happen.