A men’s dialogue on mental health awareness and gender based violence was held at KaNyamazane Community Hall last Tuesday. The aim of the dialogue was to educate and instill change within the community.

The event was organised by the City of Mbombela Municipality, Khanyisile Mdluli, a finalist in provincial Ms Mpumalanga 2022, and various stakeholders. Sibusiso Mthembu, a SANCA member, advised men to speak up and participate in men’s organisations.

“There are organisations that men need to use to deal with issues they are faced with. Organisations like Famsa, Lifeline and the Madiphephe Network are support systems for men in times of need. Let us put our prides and egos aside and shout whenever we need help,” he said.

He further said the way to move forward is to establish GBV forums that are ward based to advocate men’s mental health. Sibusiso Dlondlo, a community member, raised his concern that the government does not seem to support men in society.

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“We need the same energy the government uses whenever a woman is abused to be reciprocated to men. We as men are afraid to report any kind of abuse we go through because the police laugh at us and call us names whenever we need to lay charges. The government needs to do better.”

Mdluli said,” Living in a community where men are also mentally oppressed and victims of GBV, we took a stand under the theme of ‘You matter’ to remind the community that mental health is essential”. “We need to deal with mental issues and GBV against men in our society. They are also humans with feelings, but often you find that they are not able to speak about the kind of oppression they go through for fear of victimisation.

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We need to create a better healthy society by constantly reminding them that we as women support them. We see and have heard their cry,” she said Mdluli said it is important for men to open up each time they feel oppressed