Big Zulu backs GBV fight with boxing win

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Opens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandBig Zulu and Dicksy Mdlalose exchange blows in their exhibition boxing match, which Zulu won on points in Sandton on Sunday. Picture: Antonio Muchave Winning the battle against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa requires a whole-of-society approach that goes beyond legislation, says celebrated musician Big Zulu.

While South Africa is not definitively the single worst-hit country globally across every category of GBV, it consistently ranks among the top five countries in the world with the highest rates of femicide and sexual violence.

“Men must take active responsibility for policing abusive behaviour within their peer groups rather than placing the burden of safety and behaviour modification on women,” says the 40-year-old rapper who won a landmark seven awards at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards.

Big Zulu and Dicksy Mdlalose exchange blows in their exhibition match in Sandton on Sunday. Picture: Antonio Muchave He spoke exclusively to Sowetan after chalking a unanimous points win in his celebrity boxing match against TV weather presenter Dicksy Mdlalose at the Capitol on the Park in Sandton.

The tournament, staged by Akira Solomon of Seconds Out, was organised to increase awareness about GBV and raise funds for Frida Hartley Women Shelter in Yeoville.

“We must pull together because this GBV affects both men and women in different ways,” said Zulu, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene.

Asked what motivated him to participate in a tournament of that magnitude, Zulu, who fought for free, said: “It’s what we are facing as a country where men are now viewed as animals.

“As men, we must support programmes, attempts and ideas that are meant to eradicate this scourge, so I did not hesitate when I was approached.”

Big Zulu celebrates his win against Dicksy Mdlalose in Sandton on Sunday. Picture: Antonio Muchave To demonstrate his commitment to fighting GBV, he said he had completed a song with Siphiwe Black condemning the scourge.

An obvious favourite, judging by the noise and screams from the large crowd when he entered the boxing ring, Zulu was accompanied by his homeboy and close friend, Sjava, the singer, rapper and actor. He added: “I strongly believe our involvement will help spread the message because we have people who support our music.

Celebrities who attended included Sjava (Jabulani Sihle Makhubo), kwaito musician, songwriter and actor Kabelo Mabalane, Afro-soul, R&B and Afro-pop singer Vusi Nova, actor, television presenter and musician Abdul Khoza, model, businesswoman and singer Gail Mabalane, and musician Danny K, who performed with Mandoza.

“People tend to listen when their idols talk, so with me it was not about me fighting but being part of a tournament with a cause and I am happy to have made it and won my fight.”

Big Zulu and Dicksy Mdlalose exchange blows in their exhibition boxing match in Sandton. Picture: Antonio Muchave He says that growing up in the homelands — Bergville — respect for women was instilled from an early age.

“We knew our roles as men and we also knew their roles as women, so not even once were we told to lay our hands on them,” said the father of two — a daughter and a son.

He said the roles between men and women increasingly intertwine, shifting away from rigid, separate spheres towards flexibility, shared responsibilities and mutual interdependence.

“My message out there is proud men do not hurt or harm women, but instead they shower them with love and do anything in their power to protect them,” he said before adding that he was unhappy he did not deliver on the promise of winning his bout by KO.

Successful businessman Phumlani Njilo and Greg “G” Shock (who transitioned from the military to the corporate sphere) took their bout to another level.

They hit each other with big blows throughout their two-minute, three-rounder. Njilo landed the cleaner blows and even dropped his dance partner, to win by unanimous points.

Shadow Shabane, who co-runs training sessions with trainer/manager and gym owner Jodi Solomon at her gym in Craighall, won his bout against veteran professional boxer David Rajuili.

Akira said: “I think it was a great turnout. People had a great time and I think we did our job is raising funds for Frida Hartley Shelter and making awareness for the fight against GBV.”

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