SA: RiSA joins 100 Men March

RiSA said it participated in the march to demonstrate its commitment to fight the scourge of violence against women and children.

RiSA's involvement in the march follows the Southern African Music Rights Organisation's (SAMRO's) decision to remove Arthur Mafokate from his position as its non-executive director.

Mafokate is facing charges of assault for allegedly dragging his ex-girlfriend, singer Busisiwe 'Cici' Twala, with his car following an altercation last year.

“The staggering statistics on women and children abuse inspired us to take a stand as an organisation,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi told Music In Africa. “It is estimated that South Africa has one of the highest incidences of domestic violence in the world and every day women are murdered, physically and sexually assaulted, threatened and humiliated by their partners in their own homes. So when the Department of Communications invited us to participate, we heeded the call.”

Sibisi said RiSA was working with other organisations to curb violence against women and children.

“Our march today is to send a message that such violation will not be tolerated. And because we represent record companies, we are engaging our member companies to relay the message to their artists. That abuse of women and children is a complete no!” he said.

RiSA said the march wanted to show that the majority of South African men were committed to making South Africa a safe place for women and children.

“The scourge of violence against women and children is a huge threat to our development as a nation. On average, one in five South African women older than 18 has experienced physical violence,” RiSA said.