“We need to speak out against gender-based violence.”
These were the firm words of Prince Rulashe, event coordinator, ahead of the first #MensDialogue held at the Germiston Civic Centre, last Saturday.
“We want to speak out against femicide, which is a crisis in our country because the only way the problem will stop is if we stop it,” said Rulashe.
“It is with this in mind that the City of Ekurhuleni and Mngulashe Holdings decided to host the first #MensDialogue, with the theme, Be the Man.
“We need more men to step up and be the man and be good role models to other men within their communities and society.”
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A number of guest speakers were invited to join the day’s discussions and to share their words of wisdom.
Guest speakers included Dr Bhekisisa Ngcobo, a musician who performs under the name Ihashi Elimhlophe; Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi, a political analyst; Siyabonga Khumalo, an actor on the popular series Muvhango; Kenny Kunene, a former prisoner and now businessman; Themba Lukhele, a motivational speaker and Jabu Mahlangu, a former Kaizer Chiefs FC and Supersport United FC player.
“The event offered the opportunity for men to give advice to other men,” said Rulashe.
“Married men can pass on their knowledge and advice to unmarried men, fathers can pass on their advice to those about to become fathers.
“Because the issue of gender-based violence affects young children too as young men are being raised by abusive fathers, and we need to break the cycle.”
Rulashe further explained that the day exceeded organisers’ expectations, and admitted that many men were skeptical about the event.
“Ngcobo was the perfect ice breaker and shared his story of how he met his wife who he has been married to for over 30 years,” said Rulashe.
Rulashe noted that the topic which seemed to most affect the guests in attendance was the decline of male leadership and the disconnection men have from their wives and children.
This topic was covered by Gogo Matshiqi.
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“Mahlangu spoke to attendees about his struggles with substance abuse and how this affected his career,” said Rulashe.
“Through his struggles he noted that his wife was always his pillar of strength.
“He warned young men to stay away from drugs.”
The event ended with a talk from Lukhele who shared the highs and lows of his life, including his time in jail.
Rulashe said the team hopes to have more events such as this in the future.
“This is not just a once-off event,” said Rulashe.
“We want to make this a sustainable event and plan to host future events, either monthly or quarterly.
“We want to rehabilitate men.”
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.
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