Tebogo Lerole, a musician-turned-activist for Mzansi Act Now, has announced a partnership with Uber aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. The statement was made on Uber's website on December 10, 2024.
“Mzansi Act Now, an organization dedicated to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), is proud to partner with Uber in driving change across communities in South Africa,” LeRole said. “The partnership with Uber, accelerates the commitment to fostering accountability and hope, working tirelessly toward a future where GBVF is eradicated, and safety and equality are a reality for all.”
According to its website, Uber’s Driving Change initiative, launched in 2017, aims to combat gender-based violence through partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the development of safety features, and community-focused programs. In 2024, key efforts included a global awareness campaign, support for research on gender-based violence (GBV), and a human trafficking initiative in Latin America. Collaborations like the one with Mzansi Act Now in South Africa empower communities to challenge harmful norms and work toward a future free from GBV and femicide.
SaferSpaces.org reports that South Africa has a high prevalence of gender-based violence, disproportionately affecting women and girls, with intimate partner violence being the most common form. Contributing factors include social norms, unequal power dynamics, and limited women's empowerment. Civil society organizations and government initiatives address the issue through response services and prevention programs.
Mzansi Act Now is described on its website as a South African organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence, femicide, and social ills. The organization provides safe spaces, advocates for constitutional and police reform, and supports community initiatives such as rape crisis centers and family programs.
DRUM states that Tebogo Lerole is a Kwela Tebza musician from Diepkloof, Soweto. Passionate about social change, Lerole is using his platform to raise awareness and advocate for the eradication of gender-based violence and femicide in his community.
Alerts Sign-up