Former South Africa ace Benni McCarthy recently broke down at a press conference when he disclosed that he comes from a family that had an abusive father, and he has now joined the fight against the abuse of children. Have you seen his latest message?
The 2004 UEFA Champions League winner has revealed that his upbringing in Hanover Park was not easy, and that he was surrounded by crime, gang life, murder and abuse.
He explained that it was not easy watching his late father abuse his mother, and it could have impacted negatively on his life, yet he chose to prove to his dad that he was better than him. He is now a proud father to four beautiful little girls.
On Friday, he announced that will be joining the fight against child abuse with his support and endorsement of a childrens' rights group called Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA).
Benni said he was proud to assist such a worthy organisation in their fight against child abuse in all its forms.
"WMACA have supported many survivors and have been instrumental in improving the rights of the child in South Africa, and I know the help I will give to expand this work is essential to the future of our nation's youngsters," Benni said.
WMACA is a non-governmental organisation providing free help to victims of child abuse in South Africa, giving direct support to children through its Kidz Clinics in Boksburg and Alexandra, and fighting for better rights for survivors, proper sentences for abusers and public awareness of the terrible impact these crimes have on individuals, communities and society.
It was founded in 1997, and has been instrumental in changing laws, attitudes to abuse and the treatment of victims.
It is certainly great to see someone like Benni open up about his upbringing, all while finding a way to turn his tough times into something positive by supporting this initiative. What do you make of this?
