From Monday, 25 November to Tuesday, 10 December, under the campaign '#BeTheChange', the men at Good Hope FM will be taking the lead to show the importance of getting everyone, particularly men and boys, to step up against GBV. 

Good Hope FM and 5FM PCS combo Business Manager, Masixole Mdingane, says, "There's no more crucial time to step up than now, with shocking alarm bells sounding in the stats: According to the SAPS, in just one quarter (April to June 2024) 9 309 rapes were reported, with rapes taking place in the residence of the perpetrator, public places and an alarming amount at educational institutions. In addition, 966 women were killed, 1 644 were victims of attempted murder and 13 757 were victims of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm. So, in terms of turning things around, the question is 'If not us, who? If not now, when?'"

Each of Good Hope FM's daytime shows will have a different focus and theme to not only comprehensively cover GBV and its real-world impact, but also to find practical steps that victims, those who support them, those who are current or potential aggressors and the broader public can take to combat this disease on a daily basis, says the station. 

Putting a firm first foot forward, The Big Breakfast team with Stan Mars, joined by the rest of the station, officially launched the campaign on Monday, 25 November with a 5km BIG walk along the Sea Point Promenade — interviewing various NPO's in attendance, including Mosaic Western Cape, Callas Foundation and Langa Men.

Going forward, GBV survivors will be hosted on The Morning Show with Leigh-Anne Williams to share their stories. The aim of this is to focus on true warrior women and also to encourage listeners who are still in abusive situations to leave, says Good Hope FM. 

The Good Vibes team with Ready D will host organisations and men who advocate for change in society, including The GoodMen Foundation, Ilanga for Men, Men's Shelter for Adolescents and the Salvation Army Men's Programme. This will be focused on men who are actively changing social norms and behaviours that contribute to GBV, adds the station. 

The station says that The Great Drive will be profiling organisations that provide a place of safety for GBV victims, like Care Haven Shelter, Western Cape Women's Shelter Movement / Sisters in Kenilworth, Saartjie Baartman Centre and Mosaic. This is to encourage those who want to change their narrative. These homes make sure that victims have a place to go when they decide to leave abusive situations.

Mdingane concludes, "We implore everyone who's had enough of GBV, everyone who's lost a loved one, everyone who is a survivor, everyone who is concerned for a friend and everyone who is still stuck in the evil grip of GBV to join us in this campaign. It's about more than raising a banner that says 'Stop GBV' … it's about equipping people with the tools and contacts to STOP it for good."

For more information, visit www.goodhopefm.co.za. You can also follow Good Hope FM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor