Third-year Public Relations students at Boston Media House Sandton have raised R4 000 in support of People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) through their Shatter Norms: Hands Should Hold, Not Hurt campaign. The four-week initiative combined raffles, awareness drives, dialogue on the campus radio station, and culminated in a powerful POWA Day on campus.
The final event included a candle-lighting ceremony for GBV victims and survivors, poetry readings, and live performances. POWA CEO Fatima Shaik delivered an address highlighting the role of youth in preventing gender-based violence, stressing that awareness and collective action are key to change.
Boston Media House Student Counsellor Thembelani Nyathi also addressed hidden forms of GBV, encouraging students to challenge misconceptions and take responsibility for building safer communities.
Beyond fundraising, the campaign gave students valuable experience in event planning, sponsorship, media engagement, and advocacy. PR2 students volunteered their time, adding to the collaborative spirit.
Students Itumeleng, Nonhlanhla, and Nolo reflected that the project showed them how public relations can be a tool for social change as well as brand building. PR lecturer Claire Jackson-Bernardo commended the class for their teamwork and impact.
The success of the campaign was supported by sponsors including Benmore Shopping Centre, Sorbet, Sorbet Man, Mr D, Empire Entertainment, Cannafrica, Drinkerbell, and Nevin Sher – The Diamond Guy, who provided vouchers, hampers, and prizes that helped boost fundraising efforts and demonstrated the power of brands supporting student-led causes.
