They both gave a perspective of abuse from their respective platforms in the fight against abuse. Botha; who is very passionate about the impact, results and roots of abuse with regards to our male counterpart left the audience with a better understanding of possible reasons that make men act in an abusive way; ‘’we need to start the change at crèche level” was his response to possible solutions discussed around the room.

The event attended by just over 120 guest comprising four generations of our society from different races; backgrounds and corners of South African was themed ‘Woman thou art Empowered and Liberate’. Other speakers were Dudu Mvimbi-Leshabane, editor of Real magazine, and McIntosh Polela, author of My Father My Monster, who led conversations based on their experiences of abuse and how they have overcome the pain and chose to live positive lives; ‘we need to start talking about abuse so that we can stop abuse, there is no need to remain an anonymous victims … silence only empowers the abuser’ said Mvimbi-Leshabane to end her session.

All speakers were outstanding and inspirational, with Lesego Motsepe bringing more than half the house to tears when speaking about her experience with HIV. She questioned why we still discriminate against those that have the disease when it affects all of us, and said that at this stage all families are affected by the virus. She also gave a special song performance to drive her message.

Joining the speakers were Lillian Barnard and Keneilwe Mokgoko who focused on motivating, healing and moving on to living fulfilling successful lives, lives we are all meant to live.

The Brunch against abuse of Women and Children is a third of its kind to be hosted by NGO Bontlebame, which was founded by Kea Modise-moloto in 2012. The event seeks to empower victims and survivors of abuse and raise funds. “We host the event to plant seed for change, we do this because I believe one has to lead the change one wants to see,” said Modise-Moloto.