Brotherhood Social Club has urged young people to be at the forefront of campaigns to curb the killing of women and children.
The group added its voice in condemning the recent spates of gender-based violence while visiting the home of murdered Amahle Quku in Philippi on Sunday June 28.
Seventeen-year-old Amahle’s bruised and naked body was found at Browns Farm not far from her home on Saturday June 20.
Her brutal killing has sparked a lot of anger.
Group leader Mncedisi Sogwengqa called on young men to protect women and children.
Mr Sogwengqa said the recent spate of killings has left men embarrassed.
He said his group has been at the forefront of standing up to the abuse of women and would continue to do so.
”We want to encourage young men to live life the best way. We as a club discourage the killing and abuse of women and children. We want young men to look up to us as their father figures. We have noticed their behaviour.
“There are some who live with single mothers, they bully their mothers and we condemn that. They need to respect those mothers,” said Mr Sogwengqa.
He said the social club is open to young people who want to live a better life.
They host iimbizo with young men on the last or first Sunday of the month
He said these meetings are held so the young men can relate more with other men and come up with solutions. “We want them to love their mothers, sisters, girlfriends and wives. Men were not made to kill but to love and protect their spouses,” he said.
The youngest member of the group, Sivuyile Ndalela, urged young men to be better men.
He said mixing with older and wiser men can help them focus on better things rather than get caught up in violence.
“I wish they could realise that alcohol is not everything in life. Life has steps that we must all take to better ourselves. We all should condemn the abuse of women and children,” he said.
His words were echoed by colleague in the group, Siyabulela Phandliwe, who believes that those who are behind the killings of women do not love themselves.
“These young men need to love themselves before loving other people.
“If you look at us and the clothes that we wear and our style of clothes, that tells you that we love ourselves. The boys and young men of today must please stop the killings,” he said.
The club was also accompanied by the men in blue and religious leaders.
Reverend Mvuyisi Dyantyi of the Methodist Church of SA, Cape Town West Circuit, number 102, commended the step taken by the club.
He said it was in line with his beliefs and that of the church. “They are here to pay respect and calm the situation. I hope men of this area can change.
“They were not created this way. They must be the fighters of bad things. We really hope for them to change,” he said.
Amahle’s family welcomed the support shown to them by not only the club but by many churches and organisations that visited the home.