REPORT: 

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.

  • The event was advertised on social media, with posters and fliers in the community, at taxi ranks and through civic organisations. The week before the event the men of Takawani Riime took to the streets with a loudhailer to raise support.

  • On the day the march was led by a vibrant 8-man brass band on a 4,5 km route through Alex starting at the Helen Joseph women’s hostel and ending at the Altrek stadium.

  • Local councillors and the health department MMC joined over 800 men and women in the march through the streets of Alex which were lined with cheering and curious residents.

  • At the Stadium marchers were issued with medals for completing the route and treated to snacks, drinks and entertainment. Four local bands performed and several people took the stage to motivate the crowd and pledge their support for woman and the fight against GBV.

  • ABInBev, FAN, Takawani Riime and Health & Safety all had representatives sharing a word. It was a great success summed up by this comment by Mlangisi Jali (Alex mentor), “this is a day I will never forget in my life!”.

  • The event was advertised on social media, with posters and fliers in the community, at taxi ranks and through civic organisations. The week before the event the men of Takawani Riime took to the streets with a loudhailer to raise support.

  • On the day the march was led by a vibrant 8-man brass band on a 4,5 km route through Alex starting at the Helen Joseph women’s hostel and ending at the Altrek stadium.

  • Local councillors and the health department MMC joined over 800 men and women in the march through the streets of Alex which were lined with cheering and curious residents.

  • At the Stadium marchers were issued with medals for completing the route and treated to snacks, drinks and entertainment. Four local bands performed and several people took the stage to motivate the crowd and pledge their support for woman and the fight against GBV.

  • ABInBev, FAN, Takawani Riime and Health & Safety all had representatives sharing a word. It was a great success summed up by this comment by Mlangisi Jali (Alex mentor), “this is a day I will never forget in my life!”.

WATCH A CLIP OF THE MARCH

CONTRIBUTORS

  • Community Safety: PA System

  • Joburg water: 1 000 bottles of water

  • Emergency Services: Standby ambulance and fire engine

  • Health Department :Fruit, HIV Screening, nurses and counsellors

  • CPF: 30 Marshalls

  • Alex FM and Alex news: Coverage

  • City of Joburg, Sports and Recreation: Medals, aerobics and activities

  • JMPD: Security

  • ABInBev: T-Shirts