Men were born to lead responsibly
The project also fights the scourge of women and children abuse, drugs and crime in the community
Men were called to speak out against abuse during the official launch of the Tembisa Men’s Forum hosted at Sethokga Cultural Park on August 17.
The forum was formed by various stakeholders of non-profit organisations from Tembisa in partnership with the Department of Social Development in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. It is a male empowerment project aimed at empowering males to become better people in their homes, communities and society.
The organisations involved are: Cleaner Nyaope, Sakhisizwe, Vuka Clever, Morning Star and Life 4 U Foundation joined by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Social Development. According to Simon Molekwa of Life 4 U Foundation, the primary objective of Tembisa Men’s Forum is to equip and empower men through support groups, skills development, financial literacy, emotional and spiritual support and entrepreneurship – among other means.
“The project also fights the scourge of women and children abuse, drugs and crime in the community,” said Molekwa.
A representative from the South African Men Action Group (SAMAG) in Germiston, Mxolisi Sibobo, highlighted social ills such as domestic violence, gender-based violence, male gender specific diseases (men’s health) and human rights.
“Some men are victims in their own households before they end up becoming perpetrators. A lot of men say they are embarrassed to talk about what has been happening. They feel they should be able to cope because they are men, and that people will laugh at them if they disclose that their partner hits, slaps, punches, swears, belittles or abuses them in any other way,” said Sibobo.
Sibobo added they are encouraging men to join this type of project to help them speak out because domestic violence happens to men too.
Vhangani Makhalimela from EMM Social Development, encourages men to claim back their positions. “Societal values, both cultural and tradition, all agree that a man is the head of the household and in society. Being the head means accepting the responsibilities of leadership,” said Makhalimela.
He added that men need to interact and volunteer to take part in initiatives that empower them.
“Communication will reduce the urge to express anger, frustration and prevent worse scenarios such as suicides. Men are meant to be visionaries. Having a vision becomes a source of courage for a leader so he can enjoy the leadership role and responsibilities. A lack of vision will always a make a leader lose direction and purpose. Men should show love to their spouses and children and be role models,” added Makhalimela.
According to Makhalimela, men must show care and concern for others.
“They should use their physical strength to protect their families. They must provide for their families and contribute to the spiritual and emotional well-being of their families,” said Makhalimela.
