Vision 4 Afrika Now Media

09/01/2026

9 January 2026: Verbal Abuse
By EMR Vision Foundation
Verbal abuse is one of the most common yet least recognised forms of Gender-Based Violence. Although it leaves no physical marks, verbal abuse leaves invisible scars that can deeply affect a person’s emotional well-being, confidence, and mental health.
Verbal abuse includes insults, name-calling, humiliation, shouting, threats, and constant criticism. These behaviours are used to intimidate, control, and silence victims, often making them feel worthless, fearful, or powerless. Over time, verbal abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional trauma.
Many people minimise verbal abuse by dismissing it as anger, jokes, or normal conflict. However, when words are repeatedly used to harm, degrade, or instil fear, they become a form of violence. Verbal abuse frequently occurs alongside emotional and physical abuse and can be an early warning sign of escalating violence.
EMR Vision Foundation emphasises that respectful communication is essential in all relationships. Disagreements should never involve humiliation or threats. Families, schools, and communities must challenge verbal abuse and promote communication rooted in respect, dignity, and accountability.
As part of our 365 Days of Gender-Based Violence Awareness, we call on everyone to recognise verbal abuse for what it is—violence. Ending GBV requires addressing harmful words as seriously as harmful actions.
Words can wound. Respect must replace abuse.

08/01/2026

8 January 2026: Control Is Not Care
By EMR Vision Foundation
Control is often mistaken for love or protection, yet in reality, control is not care. When one person seeks to dominate another through restriction, monitoring, or intimidation, it is a form of abuse and a key feature of Gender-Based Violence.
Controlling behaviour may include checking phones, limiting contact with family or friends, deciding what someone may wear, controlling finances, or demanding constant updates on whereabouts. These actions strip individuals of their independence and dignity, replacing trust with fear.
True care respects personal boundaries and encourages autonomy. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication, and equality—not ownership or domination. When control replaces trust, the relationship becomes unsafe.
EMR Vision Foundation urges communities to recognise controlling behaviour as an early warning sign of abuse. Addressing such behaviour early can prevent escalation into more severe forms of violence.
As part of our 365 Days of GBV Awareness, we reaffirm that care should empower, not imprison.
Control is not care. Respect is.

07/01/2026

2025 Nkowankowa Community Games Bring Sport and Unity to the Community
Nkowankowa — The 2025 Nkowankowa Community Games attracted strong community participation as residents gathered to celebrate sport, fitness, and unity. The event took place on 27 December 2025 at Nkowankowa Stadium and began with a morning fun walk, setting a positive and inclusive tone for the day.
In football, The Legends were crowned champions after a series of tightly contested matches. They secured the title with a 1–0 victory over Rich Gang in the final. Goalkeeper Lloyd Kubayi delivered an outstanding tournament performance and was named both Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament. Chester Mashaba finished as Top Goal Scorer, P**e received the Most Exciting Player award, and Polan was honoured as Coach of the Tournament.
The final football standings were:
1st Place: The Legends
2nd Place: Rich Gang
3rd Place: Dream Team
4th Place: Nkowankowa XI
The netball competition saw Nkowankowa City Ramblers claim first place, followed by Golden Bees, Huresic Netball Club, and Nkowankowa Shining Stars. Individual awards were presented to Peggy Phakula (Player of the Tournament), Nthabiseng Mokone (Shooter of the Tournament), and Edwina Mlondobozi (Coach of the Tournament).
In rugby, The Legends edged Young Guns 14–12 in a closely fought and entertaining match. Cycling added further excitement to the Games, with Brian Mlangeni, popularly known as Loneride, winning the King of the Mountain title. Thobile Mushwana was the first rider to arrive in Tzaneen and also received the Spirit of Cycling Award.
The Games were made possible through the generous support of sponsors including SuperSport, Kasi Games, Ripfumelo Pharmacy, Dr. Phephenyana Mabuza Incorporated, VKV Experience, Nsuku Wo Vangama, Thokayaka, Amukelani New Technologies, SR Nomvula Wellness Centre, Empire Dot Creative, Mavone Investments (Pty) Ltd, Nyeleti Pharmacy, Yinhle Consulting and Actuarial, Nsilala Consulting, Nkowankowa All Nations Driving School, PostNet Randburg CBD, MMI Industries, Nandzu Trade and General Projects Trading Centre, Mbanga Trading Enterprise, Hosi Technologies, Dr. Emil Vusi Ndlovu Practice, T. Makhumbila Inc. Attorneys, Bluehopes Trading 1, Right to Health Wellness and Testing, Takana Limpopo Security Solutions, Masakwe Trading Enterprise, and Bileni Technologies.
Organisers praised the success of the event, highlighting its role in promoting healthy lifestyles, youth development, and community cohesion through sport.

07/01/2026

07/01/2026

2025 Nkowankowa Community Games Officially Launched
Nkowankowa | 26 December 2025
The Nkowankowa Community Games, an annual celebration of sport, unity, and community development, were officially launched on 26 December 2025 at VKV Experience in Nkowankowa by Vuvekisi Africa Holdings. The Chairperson of Vuvekisi Africa Holdings, Mr. Xipetso Nhlangwana, welcomed attendees and formally declared the Games open.
The launch event was hosted by VKV Experience, with Mr. Nsuku Sibuyi extending a warm welcome to sponsors, participants, and community members. The programme was directed by Mr. Karel Shivambu, who ensured the smooth running of the proceedings.
Mrs. Precious Mushwana, Director of PostNet Randburg, represented the sponsors and encouraged those in attendance to support both local and national businesses. She highlighted PostNet’s courier and business services and urged the community to utilise and support businesses that contribute to local development initiatives.
Nkhensani Ngomani, Deputy Chairperson of Go 2 Tzaneen and Director of Limpopo Experience, emphasised the importance of buying local to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities. She also promoted key tourism attractions in the region, including Sleepover on R71, Noko Resort, Debengeni Nature Resort, Haenertsburg, and Canopy Tours.
Mr. Mandla Mushwana expressed appreciation to all sponsors and stakeholders, noting that the Community Games initiative includes a social responsibility drive aimed at providing school shoes to children in need.
The Games feature a diverse range of sporting activities. Rugby was represented by Artwell Makhubele, a coach at the University of Limpopo and founder of Nkowankowa Development Club, which focuses on the training and development of young rugby players. Two rugby teams, Legends and Young Guns, are set to compete during the tournament.
Soccer activities were represented by Mr. Akani Mushwana, while Mr. Solly Nyambi spoke on behalf of the soccer masters, teams, and players, including Nkowankowa XI. The official soccer fixtures were determined through a draw conducted by Mr. Kiekie Mboweni and Ms. Kati Rikhotso. The fixtures are Legends vs Nkowankowa XI and Rich Gang vs Dream Team.
Cycling was highlighted by Mr. Thobile Mushwana, Chairperson of the Cycling Committee, who encouraged community members to participate in the sport. He outlined the cycling route from Nkowankowa Stadium via Coach House, Tzaneen, Letsitele, and back to Nkowankowa Stadium. He also announced prizes for the King of the Mountain and the first cyclist to arrive in Tzaneen.
Fun walk coordinator Mr. Patric Ngobeni explained the route for the fun walk and encouraged community participation to promote health and wellness.
Netball teams competing include Nkowankowa City Ramblers, Nkowankowa Shining Stars, Huresic, and Golden Bees, with Nkowankowa City Ramblers entering the tournament as defending champions.
Sponsors of the Nkowankowa Community Games include SuperSport, Kasi Games, Ripfumelo Pharmacy, Dr. Phephenyana Mabuza Incorporated, VKV Experience, Nsuku Wo Vangama, Thokayaka, Amukelani New Technologies, SR Nomvula Wellness Centre, Empire Dot Creative, Mavone Investments (Pty) Ltd, Nyeleti Pharmacy, Yinhle Consulting and Actuarial, Nsilala Consulting, Nkowankowa All Nations Driving School, PostNet Randburg CBD, MMI Industries, Nandzu Trade and General Projects Trading Centre, Mbanga Trading Enterprise, Hosi Technologies, Dr. Emil Vusi Ndlovu Practice, T. Makhumbila Inc. Attorneys, Bluehopes Trading 1, Right to Health Wellness and Testing, Takana Limpopo Security Solutions, Masakwe Trading Enterprise, and Bileni Technologies.
Mr. Mandla Mushwana concluded the launch by thanking all sponsors and partners for their support, reaffirming the Games’ commitment to youth development, community empowerment, and social upliftment.

07/01/2026

7 January 2026: Consent Must Be Clear, Informed, and Respected
By EMR Vision Foundation
Consent is a fundamental principle of healthy and respectful relationships. It must be clear, informed, freely given, and respected at all times. Without consent, any form of sexual activity becomes a violation and constitutes Gender-Based Violence.
Consent is not silence, fear, pressure, or assumption. It cannot be forced, manipulated, or obtained through intimidation, alcohol, threats, or emotional control. Consent can also be withdrawn at any time, and when it is withdrawn, it must be respected immediately.
Many cases of abuse occur because consent is misunderstood or deliberately ignored. Myths such as “consent is automatic in a relationship” or “consent cannot be withdrawn” place people—especially women and young people—at serious risk. In reality, every person has the right to bodily autonomy, regardless of marital status, age, or relationship.
EMR Vision Foundation emphasises that teaching consent must start early. Families, schools, and communities must educate children and young people about boundaries, respect, and mutual decision-making. Men and boys, in particular, must be encouraged to understand that consent is not a loss of power, but a sign of respect and responsibility.
As we continue our 365 Days of GBV Awareness, let us uphold a clear message: consent is non-negotiable. Respecting consent protects dignity, prevents violence, and builds healthier relationships.

06/01/2026

6 January 2026: Love Never Requires Fear
By EMR Vision Foundation
Love should be a source of safety, comfort, and mutual respect. When fear exists in a relationship, it is a clear warning sign that something is wrong. Love never requires fear, intimidation, or control.
In healthy relationships, partners feel free to express themselves without worrying about punishment, threats, or emotional harm. Fear—whether of anger, violence, humiliation, or abandonment—is not a sign of love; it is a sign of abuse. Many forms of Gender-Based Violence are sustained through fear, which silences victims and maintains control.
Some abusive behaviours are wrongly justified as love, discipline, or protection. Jealousy, excessive control, monitoring, and threats are often disguised as care, yet they create an environment of fear rather than trust. True love respects boundaries, encourages independence, and values equality.
EMR Vision Foundation calls on individuals and communities to redefine love in ways that reject violence and promote dignity. Families, schools, and faith institutions must teach that love is built on respect, communication, and shared decision-making—not fear.
As we continue our 365 Days of GBV Awareness, let us affirm a simple truth: love should never hurt, intimidate, or silence. Every person deserves relationships that are safe, respectful, and free from fear.
Love never requires fear. Respect is its foundation.

05/01/2026

5 January 2026: Abuse Thrives Where Accountability Is Absent
By EMR Vision Foundation
Gender-Based Violence continues to persist in many communities because abuse thrives where accountability is absent. When perpetrators face no consequences for their actions, violence becomes normalised and victims are left unprotected.
Accountability means holding individuals responsible for harmful behaviour, regardless of their status, gender, position, or relationship to the victim. When abuse is ignored, justified, or settled informally without justice, it sends a dangerous message—that violence is acceptable and can continue without consequence.
In environments where reporting systems are weak or trust in institutions is low, victims often feel discouraged from speaking out. Fear of retaliation, stigma, or disbelief silences many survivors, allowing abuse to repeat and escalate. Without accountability, cycles of violence are passed from one generation to the next.
EMR Vision Foundation stresses that true prevention of Gender-Based Violence requires strong accountability. Families must challenge abusive behaviour. Communities must stop protecting perpetrators. Institutions must respond swiftly, fairly, and transparently. Justice systems must enforce the law consistently.
As part of our 365 Days of GBV Awareness, we reaffirm that ending violence requires more than awareness—it requires action. Accountability deters abuse, protects victims, and restores dignity.
Where accountability exists, abuse loses its power.

04/01/2026

4 January 2026: GBV Affects Women, Men, Boys, and Girls
By EMR Vision Foundation
Gender-Based Violence is often spoken about as if it affects only one group, yet the reality is that GBV affects women, men, boys, and girls. While women and girls remain disproportionately impacted, violence does not discriminate by age or gender, and no group should be excluded from prevention and protection efforts.
Men and boys can also experience physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse. Many suffer in silence due to stigma, fear of being ridiculed, or the belief that they will not be taken seriously. Similarly, children who experience or witness violence are deeply affected, often carrying trauma into adulthood.
When GBV is addressed as an issue affecting only one gender, other victims are left invisible and unsupported. Effective prevention requires an inclusive approach that recognises all victims, challenges harmful gender norms, and promotes equality, respect, and accountability across society.
EMR Vision Foundation advocates for a comprehensive response to Gender-Based Violence—one that protects women, men, boys, and girls, strengthens families, and builds safe communities. Ending GBV requires acknowledging its full impact and ensuring that support services are accessible to everyone in need.
As we continue our 365 Days of GBV Awareness, let us stand firm in the truth that violence against anyone is unacceptable and that every life deserves dignity, safety, and protection.

04/01/2026

3 January 2026: Silence Protects Abusers, Not Victims
By EMR Vision Foundation
Silence remains one of the greatest enablers of Gender-Based Violence. When abuse is hidden, ignored, or dismissed, it is the abuser who is protected—not the victim. Fear, shame, stigma, and social pressure often force victims to suffer quietly while violence continues unchecked.
Many survivors remain silent because they fear retaliation, disbelief, or rejection by family and community members. Others are discouraged by attitudes that blame victims or treat abuse as a private matter. This silence creates an environment where abusers feel empowered and unaccountable.
Breaking the silence is not easy. Speaking out requires courage, support, and safe reporting systems. When victims are believed and supported, they are more likely to seek help and escape harmful situations. Communities that listen, intervene responsibly, and refer cases to appropriate services play a vital role in preventing further harm.
EMR Vision Foundation calls on society to create safe spaces where victims can speak without fear. Families, schools, faith institutions, traditional leaders, and service providers must actively challenge the culture of silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence.
As part of our 365 Days of GBV Awareness, we reaffirm that silence is not neutrality—it is complicity. Ending Gender-Based Violence begins when we choose to listen, speak up responsibly, and protect those at risk.

02/01/2026

2 January 2026: Violence Is Not Only Physical — Emotional Abuse Is Violence
By EMR Vision Foundation
Gender-Based Violence is often associated with physical harm, yet one of the most common and damaging forms of abuse is emotional violence. Emotional abuse may leave no visible injuries, but its impact on a person’s dignity, mental health, and self-worth can be long-lasting and severe.
Emotional abuse includes insults, humiliation, threats, intimidation, manipulation, constant criticism, isolation, and controlling behaviour. It is used to undermine confidence, create fear, and establish power over another person. Over time, emotional abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, trauma, and a sense of helplessness.
Many victims struggle to recognise emotional abuse because it is frequently minimised or normalised in relationships and families. Statements such as “it’s just words” or “at least there are no bruises” dismiss the real harm caused by emotional violence. In reality, emotional abuse often precedes physical violence and should be treated as a serious warning sign.
EMR Vision Foundation emphasises that violence in any form is unacceptable. Respectful relationships are built on trust, communication, and equality—not fear and control. Communities, families, and institutions must acknowledge emotional abuse, support those affected, and challenge attitudes that excuse harmful behaviour.
As we continue our 365 Days of GBV Awareness, let us remember that violence does not have to be physical to be real. Emotional abuse is violence, and it must be recognised, addressed, and prevented.
No one deserves to be emotionally harmed.