A reflection of GBV within the sporting landscape
Where is the accountability? Former Orlando Pirates attacker Thembinkosi Lorch was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend two years ago. Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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After he served his two-week suspension, he resumed his career and earned a big-money move to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won the league title during the 2023/24 season. He then moved to Wydad Casablanca.
Currently, he's preparing to represent the Moroccan giants at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which kicked off in Miami this Sunday morning. It seems that Lorch is off the hook, and his assault on his then-girlfriend has now been forgotten.
Other footballers have been accused in the past, but charges were either not opened or their cases never made it to court.
In a country where 33.1% of women aged 18 and older have endured physical violence in their lifetime, according to a report by the Human Sciences Research Council, sweeping Lorch's past transgressions under the rug paints a picture that the scourge of GBVF is not important.
The Human Sciences Research Council report revealed that 33.1% of women aged 18 and older – amounting to over 7.8 million women – have endured physical violence in their lifetime.
A fresh incident in everyone's mind is that of Manchester United player, Mason Greenwood. The forward was accused of raping and assaulting a woman.
Image: AFP
A fresh incident in everyone's mind is that of Manchester United player, Mason Greenwood. The forward was accused of raping and assaulting a woman. He was arrested in January 2022 after a video and images went viral.
In 2023, BBC reported that the charges were dropped. According to SABC Sport, Greenwood has "revitalised his career in Ligue 1."
Another soccer player, Thamsanqa Gabuza was arrested for allegedly trying to force himself on his then girlfriend. The former TS Galaxy player appeared in court and was granted bail.iDiski Times reported that he has since moved to AmaTuks.
Thamsanqa Gabuza was arrested for allegedly trying to force himself on his then girlfriend.
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Dr Zubeda Dangor, of The Nisaa Institute for Women's Development, says it's important for clubs to publicly condemn gender-based violence and femicide and make it clear that such behaviour is not tolerated.
Dangor feels that while there has been progress in condemning GBVF in sport, more could be done to promote gender equality and prevent GBVF.
She urged clubs to develop clear policies, provide education, and collaborate with experts.
'Sports clubs and organisations should collaborate with experts, including GBVF specialists, law enforcement, and healthcare providers, to ensure effective response and support for survivors.'
The three biggest clubs in South Africa were approached for comment, and to find out what measures were in place to combat GBV in South Africa. Only Kaizer Chiefs replied and said they would need until the end of the month to respond to IOL.
What Dangor would love to see is clubs using their platforms to raise awareness and shift public attitudes towards GBV. She said social media campaigns can be used to share educational content, personal stories, and resources related to GBVF.
'By leveraging their platforms, sports clubs can play a significant role in raising awareness, shifting public attitudes, challenging myths, and supporting existing GBVF services,' she said.
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