GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG – RETIRED footballer, Benni McCarthy, has opened up about his upbringing in an abusive home.
The ex-South African international spoke as he joined a global campaign to protect children and announced his support and endorsement of child rights group, Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA).
He disclosed that his upbringing in Hanover Park, Cape Town was not easy as he was surrounded by crime, gang life, murder and abuse.
It was not easy either watching his late father abuse his mother.
McCarthy hence said he was proud to assist such a worthy organisation as WMACA in its fight against child abuse in all its forms.
“WMACA have supported many survivors and 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,” he 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.
WMACA’s Director, Vincentia Dlamini, congratulated McCarthy for speaking out against child abuse.
“As WMACA enters its 20th year, the recognition and awareness needed will bring invaluable support to continue our work to rid South Africa of child abuse,” she said.

– Guardian