The basketball fixture of St Benedict’s College against St Alban’s College was about more than the game. The fixture, held in October, provided an opportunity for the boys from both schools to take a stand against the alarming rise in violence against women and to demonstrate their commitment to helping raise a generation of better men who will be part of the change our society so desperately needs.

Driven by a shared desire to make a difference, St Benedict’s College head of Marketing, Communications and Admissions, Mpumi Motsabi, said the initiative provided a platform for the boys to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and demonstrate their commitment to standing against all forms of abuse and violence.

ALSO READ: St Benedict’s College unveils revamped sporting changerooms

She added that the initiative was particularly meaningful in light of their school theme for the year: “I am my brother’s keeper.”

“Our boys recognised that the responsibility of looking out for one another extends beyond brotherhood. It also means being our sisters’ keepers – standing up for women and girls, treating them with dignity and respect, and refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice or violence,” Motsabi explained.

She said a particularly significant moment came when boys from both St Benedict’s and St Alban’s read aloud from the Manifesto on Masculinity, a document developed by the boys and men of St Benedict’s College in 2019.

The manifesto reflects the values and principles that should underpin positive masculinity and challenges young men to consider the role they play in shaping a society built on respect, dignity and equality.

Following the reading, the boys from both schools signed the manifesto, pledging to be men of courage, young men who stand up for what is right, treat others with respect and have the conviction to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.

ALSO READ: St Benedict’s College crowned 2026 soccer champions at Inanda

In doing so, Motsabi said they demonstrated that the purpose of the fixture extended far beyond the basketball court. It was a shared commitment to stand together against gender-based violence and to use their voices and actions to help bring about meaningful change.

This commitment continued on October 22, when the boys of St Benedict’s staged a silent protest at the entrance to the college.

Lining the driveway with their placards, they made a powerful visual statement against gender-based violence. Motsabi noted that their silence spoke volumes, reinforcing the message that violence against women and girls cannot be ignored, excused or accepted. It was a further demonstration of the boys’ willingness to use their voices, their presence and their actions to stand for what is right.

“At St Benedict’s, we believe that developing better men begins with instilling values that extend far beyond the classroom and the sports field. It means raising young men who understand the importance of respect, who dare to speak out against injustice and who recognise their responsibility in creating safer communities for all,” explained Motsabi.

She added that, as a school, they appeal to boys and men in their communities to embrace a positive masculinity that seeks to protect rather than cause harm, to uplift rather than diminish, and to respect rather than abuse.

“We all have a responsibility to challenge harmful behaviours, speak out against injustice and help create a society in which women and girls feel safe, valued and respected. Being our brother’s keeper means being our sisters’ keepers too.”

Motsabi added, “We commend our boys for taking a stand and thank St Alban’s College and its boys for joining us in this important endeavour. These actions remind us that the fight against gender-based violence requires more than words; it requires courage, accountability and a sustained commitment to change.

“Together, we stand for respect. Together, we stand for change. Together, we stand against gender-based violence.” Veritas in Caritate – Truth in Love.