Mrs K Ntini Foundation stands up against gender based violence

The event was held on Saturday.

October 7, 2018

Arisa Janse van Rensburg 1 minute read

Some of the models from HMT were made up to look bruised and wounded. Here are Riana Laesecke and Michelle Arendse.

MBOMBELA – “It happened to me too.” These words of Kgaugelo Ntini deeply touched audience members at an event on Saturday evening.

The purpose of the event, held by the Mrs K Ntini Foundation and the Department of Social Development, was to create awareness of gender-based violence. Ntini is the founder of the foundation as well as a finalist for the Mrs Mpumalanga title.

Some of the speakers at the event: Louise Mels, Kgaugelo Ntini and Daleen Hillicks.

As Ntini admitted to being raped three times in her past, she gave a message of hope, urging everyone in the room to stand up and fight together against this injustice in our midst.

“I encourage each and everyone here to be against it, because it kills our communities, it kills families and it kills us as individuals,” Ntini said.

Mhlahla Khoza, Rose Ramonwedi and Higekani Mabunda.

She also referred to the models who were sitting with guests at the table. They represented the abuse victims, and wore make-up that made them look like they had wounds and bruises. “Some women walk and on their outside is beautiful make-up but inside it’s like this,” she said, referring to one of the models.

The event was hosted at Ford Nelspruit, as the company is one of Ntini’s biggest sponsors. It also included speeches by various other role players, as well as a re-enactment of an abusive situation.

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“We, as a department, are very involved in the issue of gender-based violence. We offer a prevention programme, shelter as well as a skills programme that encourages victims to move forward and rebuild their lives,” said Rennie Mothilal, who represented the Department of Social Development.