PRESS RELEASE: Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana tackles child abuse, GBV and teenage pregnancy for Child Protection Month

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East London, 1 May 2024- As South Africa commemorates Child Protection Month this May, Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana, a groundbreaking youth development initiative, is harnessing the power of soccer to tackle three of South Africa’s most urgent challenges: gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancy and child abuse. By mentoring young girls and boys, the program cultivates leadership, resilience and ambition while inspiring girls to break barriers in professional sports.

"Recent statistics underscore the urgency of Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana’s mission. According to the Human Sciences Research Council, over 33% of South African women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, with 9.8% facing sexual violence. A report by the Democratic Alliance party reveals that in the past six years, there have been over 106,000 reported cases of child rape, with girls constituting 90.1% of the victims.

Furthermore, according to the South African Police Service's annual reports, the number of reported sexual offences against children under 18 has remained alarmingly high; in 2022/23: 38,828 cases of sexual offences against children under 18 were reported.

The tragic case of "Cwecwe," a seven-year-old girl allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October 2024, has further highlighted the prevalence of child abuse in South Africa. The subsequent #JusticeForCwecwe campaign garnered over 1 million signatures, reflecting the nation's demand for justice and systemic reform to protect children. The Eastern Cape Department of Education responded by deregistering the school for failing to provide a safe learning environment and cooperating with authorities.

These statistics highlight the ongoing need for programmes like the Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana soccer initiative, which aims to provide young athletes a safe and supportive environment while promoting positive values and behaviours.

The Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana Programme offers a structured environment where participants attend regular soccer training sessions, leadership workshops, and mentorship programmes. The initiative focuses on:

• Raising Awareness: Educating youth about the consequences of GBV and child abuse.

• Building Confidence: Providing a platform for young girls to develop self-esteem and leadership skills.

• Promoting Gender Equality: Encouraging equal participation in sports and leadership roles.

• Career Guidance: Offering mentorship to inspire aspirations of becoming professional athletes.

“Through soccer, we are not only teaching skills but also instilling values of respect, equality, and resilience,” said Lelethu Nguta the programme coordinator of Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana . “Our goal is to create a safe space where young people can thrive, free from the shadows of violence and abuse,” Nguta further emphasised.

Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana invites media houses, community leaders, and the public to support this transformative initiative. By highlighting the programme's impact, we can collectively work towards a safer and more equitable society for all South African youth.

About Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazana

Ibhola Ekhatywayo Ngamantombazane (IEN) is a Grassroots Ladies Soccer Programme. This initiative aims to combat GBVF in communities like Buffalo City in the Eastern Cape. Launched by Masimanyane Women’s Rights International and supported by the Norwegian Embassy in South Africa, the programme empowers young girls through sport, creating a safe environment where they can learn about their rights and challenge societal stereotypes.

For more information, please visit: https://www.masimanyane.org

Issued by Tishala Communications

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