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Join a record-breaking stand against GBV in Johannesburg

Grab a partner and head to Kramerville this March to help shatter a world record for a vital cause.

Liesl Bartlett
Written by
Liesl Bartlett
City Editor, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria
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While the city’s pulse usually beats to the rhythm of new gallery openings or rooftop mixers, on 18 March 2026, the energy is shifting toward something far more visceral: a massive, record-breaking stand against gender-based violence (GBV).

Local personal safety organisation INpowered has just set the date for the Big Break, and it’s not just an event; it’s a literal and metaphorical striking back.

The goal: 1,000 boards, one loud message

Taking over The Tryst in Kramerville, the INpowered Big Break is aiming to smash the current world record for a mass board break. The current record sits at about 300 trained martial artists. But INpowered aims to reach 1,000 participants.

The twist? You don’t need a black belt. In fact, the event is designed for the "untrained", proving that the power to protect oneself isn't reserved for the pros; it’s a right every South African woman should have.

"While we may never fully eradicate violence, we can equip women with the confidence, skills and choices to respond," says Mark Grobbelaar, the visionary founder behind INpowered.

Why it matters

Beyond the adrenaline of the break, there’s a massive heart behind the heat. 100% of the proceeds from the night are dedicated to the fight against GBV.

The funds raised aren't just disappearing into a void; they are earmarked to provide the full INpowered personal protection programme to 2,500 women and girls across the country who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it. It’s about taking the skills that have already helped 16,000 women and scaling them to the communities that need them most.

The game plan

The event lands just after International Women's Day, keeping that spirit of empowerment alive well into the month.

  • When: Wednesday, 18 March 2026 from 6 pm – 9 pm
  • Where: The Tryst, 20 Archimedes Street, Kramerville
  • The deal: R700 per ticket, which covers two people.

Why two? Because every board break needs a partner to steady it. While the focus is on women’s empowerment, men are more than welcome to join as allies, just make sure every pair includes at least one woman.

How to get involved

Whether you’re a corporate team looking to do something meaningful for your staff, or a duo of friends ready to find your inner strength, this is the moment to show up. It’s a chance to turn the "Sandton bubble" into a powerhouse of social change.

Between the high-spec venue vibes of The Tryst and the raw energy of 1,000 boards snapping in unison, this is set to be the most talked-about Wednesday of the year.

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