#HOLLER gala raises R100 000 for GBV awareness

The elegant Bullion Room at Gold Reef City played host to a powerful and purposeful evening on August 8, where the #HOLLER Gala Dinner brought together business leaders, creatives and community changemakers.

The event raised R100 000 in donations to support organisations on the frontlines of the fight against GBV.

Funds raised will empower the ongoing efforts of SOJO Helping Hands Foundation, Matrix Men, Open Disclosure and Epic Foundation.

These organisations work tirelessly to support survivors, raise awareness and educate communities about the devastating impact of GBV in South Africa.

Centre manager at Mall of the South, Hester Smith, said: “This wasn’t just about raising funds. It was about raising voices, building bridges and standing united with those who’ve endured and those who continue to fight for change.

To each company that sponsored towards #HOLLER, your generosity and belief in this cause made the #HOLLER Gala Dinner not only possible, but profoundly impactful.”

A nation in crisis

South Africa continues to face a GBV crisis, with alarming statistics underscoring the urgency of awareness and systemic change:

• 33.1% of women over 18 have experienced physical violence

• 83 people were trafficked in a single year (official numbers, likely underreported)

• 443 unaccompanied Zimbabwean children were intercepted at the SA–SA-Zimbabwe border

• One in six adult men has experienced sexual offences

• 44% of boys report being sexually abused before age 18

• 40% of gay men report experiencing sexual violence (excluding rape)

• R10 billion is the estimated annual cost of GBV to South Africa’s economy

These numbers reflect not just statistics, but real lives and stories – the driving force behind the #HOLLER campaign and gala event.

The evening served not just as a fundraiser but as a platform for reflection, education and unity. Through collective action, powerful conversations and a shared vision, guests were reminded that real change begins with raising awareness and showing up.

Thank you

The success of the night was made possible by a host of generous sponsors and supporters who invested in change:

Sponsors who made it possible were: Gold Reef City, Icarus Media, IV Zeal, Volpes, MAC, Cassims & Co, Ciga Watches, Kase Artist, Chic Jewels, Clicks Mall of the South, Le Morgan, Zaza Nkosi Legacy Wines, Lush Leather, UniQbrows, Mall Marketing Management.

The champions who invested in a seat at the table were: Gold Reef City, UniQbrows, Bosch, Expo Guys, Advance Parking, Howden, New Concept Mining, Graphique, Kase Artist, Phone Fix & Gadgets, Stallion Integrated, Redefine Properties, Easy Power, SEW, ABSA Bank, Bidvest.