Having launched the '#NoExcuse' movement in November 2017, the start of 16 Days of Activism marks three years of Carling Black Label's long-term initiative, which focuses on driving positive change amongst South African men.

PSL chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza announced the partnership in a virtual press conference and emphasised the importance of the '#NoExcuse movement'.

"The mission is to make sure that the '#NoExcuse' movement becomes a national, continuous movement that goes beyond the16 Days of Activism. We want all our members to set an example for the rest of the nation," says Khoza.

Since its inception, the '#NoExcuse' movement has hosted various activations in close partnership with men's organisations such as Takuwani Riime and Father-A-Nation. In 2017, the movement saw thousands participate in a mass demonstration to Parliament on International Men's Day under a clarion call of ending Gender-based Violence, culminating in a men's declaration in support of ending violence against women.

Based on statistics that indicate that there is a greater incidence of GBV after sporting fixtures, in 2018, the movement saw an opportunity to activate at one of the most-watched football matches (the Soweto Derby), which had a combined viewership and engagement of at least 80% of South African at the National Stadium in March 2018.

Carling Black Label brand director Arné Rust says, "We are proud to strengthen our long-standing relationship with the PSL. We have witnessed the impact our joint efforts have had in empowering Champion fans and we hope to carry this momentum into this partnership."

"The majority of South Africans' passion point is football and we could not have picked a more befitting platform to engage in much-needed conversations around gender-based violence and strengthening our fight against this social ill that truly affects us all," adds Rust.

The partnership will aim to ensure that each member of the Premier Soccer League will undergo the Champions for Change (C4C) Course, either online or through in-person training by the movements' on-the ground partners Father-A-Nation, which is spearheaded by 2019 Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient Craig Wilkinson.

"In addition to the C4C Course that we are offering to members of the PSL, we will be encouraging players from both the PSL and NFD, including the technical staff to take action against GBV and make the RenewALL vow, which is in line with the movement's 16 Days of Activism campaign," says Rust.

"The 'RenewALL' campaign calls on all men to renew what they stand for in their relationship, re-commit to helping in the fight against GBV and to rebel against the idea that they cannot help," concludes Rust.

For more information, visit www.noexcusesa.com.