POLOKWANE – With a 10-day walk from Polokwane to the Union Buildings, Matalane Mokgatla hopes to change how men are treated in society.

Mokgatla started the walk on March 21, with the intention to give men a platform to speak out and protect young boys. Mokgatla embarked on the initiative after he realised that most men are not treated equally to women, and that their mental health is not given the same consideration.

“I want men to be allowed to speak about their worries, frustrations, and life challenges without being labelled as weak,” said Mokgatla.

He hopes to see men from abusive relationships and toxic family backgrounds report cases of abuse, instances where their human rights are violated.

Mokgatla is currently not affiliated with any specific organisation but rather partners with anyone who reaches out to him.

“I work with people who support the Men Speak Out initiative, including my Facebook followers who have become my family, Euphoria Golf Estate, Dr ES Kgwete and local brands such as Letsaka Studios,” he added.

According to Nyehlane Madingoaneng, who takes part in the walk, the goal is to break historical stereotypes about men and raise awareness that men also need mental and emotional support.
Women also support the Men Speak Out initiative.

Mokganyetši Makgotla joined the walk to show her support for men and to protect young boys. She hopes that change will prevail, and men will no longer adhere to the “Monna ke nku o llela teng” talk, which translates to “men should not cry out.”

She mentioned that men are afraid to voice their worries and struggles because they fear of being labelled as weak. Therefore, they may resort to committing suicide or suffer from serious mental health issues, such as depression.