On Saturday, 3 October, the Eluxolweni Child and Youth Care Centre in South Africa will host the I Relate run and fundraising drive to raise awareness about social ills affecting children, including gender-based violence. The run, starting at 7am from the Rhodes University Prospect Field, aims to give 26 vulnerable boys a platform to express their voice and show solidarity. Centre manager Linda Mpiyane stated that the event is about more than raising funds; it's about creating an opportunity for the boys to participate in conversations about issues affecting their communities.
The event coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent national address, where he called on South African men and boys to take greater responsibility in confronting violence against women and girls. Ramaphosa emphasized the need to prevent gender-based violence before it occurs, stressing that it begins with how boys are raised and what they learn about girls, anger, rejection, and consent. He acknowledged that addressing gender-based violence requires more than policing and punishment, highlighting the importance of prevention.
The I Relate run aims to promote a discussion among all those who can relate to the issue of gender-based violence. Mpiyane noted that boys and men are often spoken about primarily as perpetrators, but Eluxolweni believes they must also be given the opportunity to be part of the solution. The boys will run dressed in black, a symbol of mourning and remembrance of the many lives lost to femicide in South Africa. This event takes place just days before International Day of the Girl Child on October 11.
The community of Makhanda is invited to join the movement, aiming to send a clear message that children are not only affected by society's ills but can also help change them. West Hill resident Khanya Malgas expressed her support for the event, stating that it's a wonderful demonstration of the kind of young men they want to become – young men who respect girls, reject violence, and understand that masculinity should never be associated with dominance or abuse.
Many children in shelters and child and youth care centres have been affected by difficult family circumstances, abuse, neglect, poverty, domestic violence, and other social challenges. Psychologist Thembeka Mdyoko noted that these social challenges are often interconnected, requiring a collaborative effort from families, schools, communities, government, civil society, and the private sector to create environments where children can grow up safely and with dignity.
The event is expected to spark conversations about how boys are raised and the values that can help shape young men who understand respect, empathy, consent, equality, and accountability. Mpiyane emphasized that the participation of the boys is particularly significant, as they are often viewed through the lens of violence and labelled as potential perpetrators. The I Relate run provides an opportunity for them to express their voice and show solidarity.
The Eluxolweni Child and Youth Care Centre's initiative has garnered support from the community, with many residents acknowledging the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting positive change. The event aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to join the conversation and work towards a safer and more supportive environment for all.
Key points
- The I Relate run aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote a discussion among all those who can relate to the issue.
- The event provides an opportunity for boys to express their voice and show solidarity against gender-based violence.
- The initiative has garnered support from the community, aiming to create a ripple effect and inspire others to join the conversation.
