As the 2024/25 Carling Knockout concludes with the Carling Cup for the All-Star team later this month, Carling has emphasized the importance of building a nation of great men in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Men have been urged to use their masculinity not to harm women but to protect and provide for them.

Women who are victims of abuse are encouraged to come forward to help stop GBV in South Africa, a pervasive issue that affects countless women daily.

Carling will conclude its program with the PSL when Magesi FC, the Carling Knockout Cup champions, face the All-Star team voted on by fans including five players from DStv Diski Challenge teams, at Orlando Stadium on 21 December.

Carling launched the #NoExcuse campaign, which emphasizes that there is no justification for GBV. The brand aims to empower men to develop positive character traits and become responsible members of society, ultimately contributing to a GBV-free South Africa.

“Remember back in South Africa 2017, there was a huge scourge of Gender-Based Violence and we also saw a huge increase with women being burnt and killed by their partners,” Carling brand manager Nonjabulo Ndwandwe told Sportswire. 

“As a brand as big as Carling Black Label, it is part of our responsibility to be accountable for the role. So, we are acutely aware of the link of the men that abused alcohol and sometime abuse their wives. We can see that we (Carling) are part of the problem, but we want to be part of the solution. 

“So, we created this platform called #NoExcuse, which means there is no excuse for GBV. What we believe is that, by using the power of positivity in the community, we can develop tools for men can use to be able to build character and be good men in society so that one day we can have a Gender-Based Violent-free society in South Africa.”

This campaign differs from the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which ran from November 25th to December 10th, 2024, under the theme “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children.” Carling’s approach is year-round, with workshops and online resources available to educate and empower individuals.

“We are 365 days,” Ndwandwe said. 

 
“We are activate throughout the year, we run the same workshop we did on Tuesday in Durban (Harnessing The Power Of Positive Masculine) and the course is also available on our online and one can be able to learn about it.  

“We believe that everyone has a role to play and if we all come together and all learn what good and positive behaviors are, surely, we can shift the needle of Gender-Based Violence.”  

Carling acknowledges the potential negative impact of alcohol consumption on social issues, including GBV. To address this, the brand is committed to promoting responsible drinking and providing support to those affected by abuse.

“Through the #NoExcuse campaign, we are shining a spotlight on GBV and facilitating workshops to educate men,” Ndwandwe explained. “We are also collaborating with NGOs and community leaders to develop comprehensive solutions to this complex issue. We encourage anyone who needs help to reach out to us via WhatsApp at 0800150150. We offer counseling services and connect individuals with mentors to provide support and guidance.”

Ndwandwe concluded by emphasizing that there is no excuse for abuse. She urged victims to seek help and encouraged everyone to work together to create a GBV-free society. “My message, not only the ladies, but everyone – there is absolutely no excuse for abuse,” she said. 

“That means, whether you are a man, whether you are a woman, we believe there is no excuse or reason for anyone, particularly men, in the country to abuse.”