AUTOFORUM

MISA makes a pledge against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

Dec 01, 2025 MISA, Motor Industry Staff Association, Martle Keyter, Gender-based violence, GBV, femicide

MISA makes a pledge against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

“MISA believes that any form of gender-based violence in our homes, communities and workplaces is a violation of the human rights entrenched in the Constitution of our country which is internationally acclaimed as one of the world's most progressive and transformative constitutions,” says Keyter. The Union vowed to keep Government to its G20 promise to treat gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster and won’t allow the classification to become lip service. The Union believes one life lost is one too many. Enough is enough. Gender-based violence and femicide is the worst cancer in our society, our femicide rate is estimated, by the United Nations, being five times higher than the global average.

Actress Shoki Mmola called on more employers and organisations to create a safe space where victims of gender-based violence can talk freely and seek help. She thanked MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, for inviting her as the guest speaker at the Union’s first Awake for Awareness to highlight the realities of the pandemic of gender-based violence which is now declared a national disaster in South Africa. There were very few dry eyes at the event while Mmola shared her ordeal with her ex-husband and fellow actor, Sello Sebotsane.

“I never thought that I would be invited to an event to share a story such as this one. I did not think that it would be me. I am smart. I am driven. I speak well. I am compassionate. I love and I know how to give love, and I enjoy receiving it. That is me. I come from greatness. “But here we are today. Years ago, I went to the papers and the magazines because I wanted to own my narrative. I am dressed in black today because I am still in mourning. I am mourning a marriage that died. I am morning a love that died. I am morning a safety that died. I am mourning that my children would not be able to comfortably say ‘papa’ and feel the safety and pride. That branch is broken.

After Sebotsane paid lobola to her father, he explained to her that she now belongs to her husband. She could no longer run to her parents to complain and that she had to respect her in-laws. “The only way you could leave your marriage was in a coffin. I am 48 today and I would really like to challenge these beliefs because they are the ones that put me in the situation where I am with my children right now. When I saw the cracks, I tried to hide them. When the dust was coming in through the windows in my home, I rushed quickly to block them for nobody to see.

“One of the weapons used by an abuser is to silence a victim. They silence your voice. They silence your confidence. Your friends are scattered around and start walking in other directions instead of coming to your aid, because you don’t confide in them about the real truth. Everyone knew him as this man who just absolutely loved me. Mmola kept quiet for a decade because she was afraid of how people will look at her. “I slept with a knife under my pillow. The thug was in the house. When I had to run to my neighbours and beg for help, it had gone too far. Don’t let it go too far. It is not worth it.”

Mmola locked her support for MISA’s pledge alongside Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.

MISA pledged to:

• Promote Equality and Respect: MISA will foster a culture of respect, dignity and equality for all workers, regardless of gender, identity or orientation.

• Speak Out and Take Action: MISA will never remain silent in the face of abuse, harassment or violence. MISA commits to reporting, challenging and addressing GBV wherever it occurs.

• Support Survivors: MISA will secure resources and solidarity for those affected by GBV, ensuring they are heard, protected and empowered.

• Educate and Advocate: MISA will drive awareness campaigns, training and advocacy to eliminate harmful norms and practices that perpetuate GBV.

• Work Together for Change: MISA will collaborate with employers, government and civil society to create policies and systems that prevent GBV and hold perpetrators accountable.

MISA believes that every worker deserves safety, respect and equality. Together, we will build workplaces and communities free from violence and discrimination.

#PROUDLYMISA #MISALEADS #MISACARES #MISAONTHEMOVE #MISAFAMILY