We say no to GBV: Nkowankowa taxi drivers
Community applauds Tzaneen taxi drivers as they dressed in women’s clothing to highlight the fight against gender-based violence.
TZANEEN – Taxi drivers in Nkowankowa turned heads this week when they swapped their usual attire for dresses, headscarves, and handbags to commemorate Women’s Month.
The drivers gathered at the taxi rank holding placards with bold messages such as “We Say No to Rape” and “Stop Killing Women and Children.” Their act was not just symbolic but a striking reminder of the urgent need to end gender-based violence (GBV).
The demonstration drew applause from community members and commuters, many of whom stopped to take pictures and express their support. “We wanted to walk in women’s shoes, even if just for a day, and remind our community that women deserve respect, safety, and dignity,” Larry Manzini explained.
South Africa continues to grapple with alarming levels of GBV and femicide, issues that have been described as a “second pandemic” in the country.
By stepping out of their comfort zones, the Nkowankowa taxi drivers hoped to challenge stereotypes and encourage conversations about the role men must play in creating safer communities.
Manzini urged women and children not to remain silent when facing abuse. “We, as Nkowankowa taxi drivers, show support to women and children.
We say no to the rape and killing of women and children. Now is the right time for women and children to speak out because silence is a crime. We say no to GBV,” he said.
