‘Man Up’ the emotional way – speakers to young men in Kagiso
Men's health is often overlooked and during a men's wellness programme held in Kagiso recently, young men and boys were told that it is OK to be emotional.
When it comes to young men and boys’ emotional vulnerabilities, the phrase ‘Man Up’ is often used to imply you are soft. However, on July 29 the men of Kagiso were taught that being emotional is not a sign of weakness at all.
The Youth of Immanuel Parish Lutheran Church in Southern Africa along with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa came over to Kagiso 1 Congregation to introduce the men to their wellness programme to educate them about the male psyche and how modern men can navigate life in 2023.
The event had a list of educated and well-rounded speakers who appealed to the men in Kagiso that while they still have a significant role to play in society, it should not come at the expense of their mental health.
Author and contributor to the Krugersdorp News, Thabile Mange was among the speakers at the programme who underlined the difficulties that men face.
“We live in an era where men are marginalised, where men are told not to cry, where men are told and expected to provide for their families even amid the minimal opportunities we have in this country. We, therefore, saw it fit that we meet in the manner that we should to caucus around these potato-burning issues affecting men,” Thabile said.
Thabo Mothlabi, who was also among the speakers at the programme, would also encourage men to help one another and emphasised that men supporting one another is not a feminine trait.
“We need to become advocates of men across every institution we find ourselves in. We are suffering in silence, we are neglected, we are abused. The level of noise we make about women’s inclusiveness should be equal to the level of noise we make about men’s inclusiveness,” Thabo said.
The programme saw many young boys and men being encouraged and educated that concealing emotions should never be the solution.
