Mission
Women and Men Against Child Abuse is an organisation committed to fighting for the rights of the child and to end the abuse of children in South Africa, by striving to form a multi-faceted, dynamic and aggressive offensive against any form of abuse.
Who We Are
Women and Men Against Child Abuse was founded in 1997 as a Non-Government, Non-Profit Organisation. It is a Section 21 Company and is recognised by the South African Revenue Service as a Public Benefit Organisation with Section 18A tax exemption status.
The spiralling increase in incidents of child abuse in our country necessitated the provision of specialised child-abuse facilities, as well as the introduction of preventative programmes to break the complex cycle of abuse.
The cycle of abuse is such that it has a domino-effect, and the number of people whose lives are affected by just one incident is immeasurable. This proves very costly to society in general, as child abuse can have a profound impact on the emotional, behavioral, cognitive, social, and physical development of children. In some cases this results in lifelong loss of potential, and chronic mental and physical health problems.
Our first Kidz Clinic opened its doors in Boksburg in June 2000, and the Kidz Clinic in Alexandra was opened in December 2003. With funding from Pick ‘n Pay our third clinic officially opened in Orange Farm in May 2006. The Kidz Clinics are one-stop child-friendly centres providing free medical and psychological treatment for children who have been sexually, physically and emotionally violated.
The Kidz Clinic also features a replica of a real-life courtroom, where children who are required to testify against their perpetrators in court are introduced to the legal system by court preparation officers. Here, simulated court sessions are held, during which children are prepared for court procedure. This important process minimises their fears and prevents secondary trauma to the child.
By identifying the need to introduce effective measures to prevent the abuse of children, our organisation introduced three preventative and support programmes that deal with education, rehabilitation and counseling.
Women and Men Against Child Abuse has been extremely outspoken in its offensive against child abuse. The organisation has also been instrumental in raising awareness, which has led to growing public support. By breaking the silence surrounding the sexual abuse of children, and highlighting the inadequacies within government structures, the organisation has made great strides and effected positive change in many areas.
Board of Directors
- Selwyn Nathan – Chairman
- Miranda Jordan Friedmann – Executive Director
- Andrew Mthembu – Director
- Ralph Ririe – Director
- Glynis Nisbet – Director
- Janyce Currin – Director
- Pam Mthembu – Director
- Alan Khan – Director
- Tove Kane – Director/Patron
- Kevin Barbeau – Director
Patron
An award-winning radio broadcaster, Tové has been in the entertainment industry for 16 years, having completed numerous film, television and radio courses. She has both off and on-camera television experience, as well as expertise in the fields of management, event management, team building, motivation, writing, presenting, producing and training.
Tové has received numerous awards from companies including Ster-Kinekor, for her contribution to the entertainment industry. At the South African Music Awards she was presented with a Certificate of Commendation for singing. Tové has released two CDs on which she has either written or co-written, and performed. She has sung to audiences of more than 12 000 people and is frequently booked for corporate events as both MC and singer.
After graduating from Rhodes University with English and Drama Majors, Tové was hired by Talk Radio 702 as a weekend sports anchor.
In addition to radio, Tové has also been a morning anchor on a TV news-based programme, and made several other television appearances. She continues to do extensive radio and television voice-overs as well as audiovisual presentations. She is a preferred MC and compére at corporate functions and International and local concerts.
Tové is an accomplished motivational speaker and an inspirational trainer in her own right. She has co-written and presented numerous training courses that have improved the lives of many people.
A successful businesswoman, Tové is the Director of a marketing, advertising, eventing and communications company called Able-Kane Productions. She also has a production studio with facilities for radio, TV and music production. She founded and operates a charity called The Tové Kane Foundation, a Section 21 Company that profiles Child Protection, Women Empowerment, Community Development and the Environment.
Tové is a committed Patron of Women & Men Against Child Abuse. She is actively involved in fundraising activities and serves on the Management Committee. In 2003 she received the Women Demand Dignity White Ribbon Award in acknowledgement of her passionate contribution in helping to eradicate the scourge of abuse against children. “We can’t afford to get numbed by the numbers”, says Tové.
