Activist and advocate Tholo Motaung was recently honoured with the GBV Ambassador Award at the 4th National GBV Awards. Recognised for their groundbreaking advocacy and bold campaigns during the 16 Days of Activism, Tholo continues to inspire through their work in marginalised communities, focusing on education, empowerment, and inclusive healing.
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As Pride Month 2025 wraps up, we look back to when activist and human rights advocate Tholo Motaung made a powerful statement by being named GBV Ambassador of the Year at the 4th Annual National GBV Awards, held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre.
The prestigious event, spearheaded by award founder Cynthia Dinalane, celebrated the tireless efforts of individuals and organisations combatting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide across the country. Among a strong pool of eight nominees, Tholo Motaung stood out for their bold activism, community impact, and unwavering commitment to advocacy.
“I wish to thank everybody who voted for me. You have reassured me that I need to keep contributing more in the fight to eradicate IPV, GBV, and Femicide.”
In an emotional acceptance speech, Motaung said,
Tholo’s work spans social media campaigns, radio discussions, and community engagements. Known for leading the Breaking The Fatherless Son Circle initiative, they’ve worked with young men in institutions of higher learning, challenging harmful narratives and transforming mindsets.
A defining moment in Motaung’s activism came during the 16 Days of Activism in 2024, when they launched a thought-provoking Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) campaign that shed light on abuse within the LGBTQI+ community. The campaign—anchored by a short film—sparked nationwide conversations by highlighting the shared dynamics of IPV across all relationships, regardless of gender identity or orientation.
Many voters cited this campaign as a reason for supporting Tholo’s nomination, saying it helped them understand the broader context of abuse and feel seen in their own experiences.
Now, as a recognized GBV Ambassador, Motaung is continuing their work in 2025 with a renewed focus on supporting male victims of GBV, a group often overlooked in mainstream discourse. “Context matters,” Tholo insists, “and to make a real impact, we need to understand the lived realities in every corner of our society.”
