Teaching Durban University of Technology (DUT) students how to be empowered, by learning practical steps of self-defence, was the aim of the Self-Defence Workshop, hosted by the Sport Administration Department, at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre last Friday, 23 August 2019.

Every year, on the 9th of August, South Africa also celebrates Women’s Day in honour of the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings that day in 1956 to protest against the discriminatory pass laws. As much as some achievements have been made, however, there is still a lengthy way to go as women still experience challenges such as gender-based violence, especially the high rate of rape in South Africa.

Sensei’s Ayanda Gebashe and Thobani Khwela, karate trainers from the eThekwini region, gave a live practical self-defence-class demonstration to both students and staff, who were excited to learn on how to protect themselves.

“By learning the basics of defending yourself, you also empower yourself and increase your self-confidence. Training in self-defence helps women develop more confidence and fitness levels too,” said Sensei Gebashe.

First-year Horticulture and Landscaping student Makhosazana Mchunu, said the class gave her a boost of self-confidence. “I truly feel empowered learning to defend myself and I know it will be useful if ever need be,” she said.

For second-year Business and Information Management student Thabisile Mpanza, the class was quite exhilarating.

“There’s so much happening in South Africa, especially crimes like rape and human trafficking, so having some practical knowledge on how to defend myself is useful. I would like to see more classes like this at DUT,” she said.

Majority of the students felt the self-defence classes should be offered on a regular basis.

Pictured: Sensei’s Ayanda Gebashe and Thobani Khwela demonstrating how to be calm and practice self-defence.

Waheeda Peters