Qina Ndoda Foundation tackles GBV in Govan Mbeki area through men’s support networks
The goal is to create safe, supportive, and non-judgmental spaces where men can speak openly.
The Qina Ndoda Foundation, a men-focused organisation founded by Elvis Phoseka and Phathisizwe Msezane in 2017, is tackling gender-based violence (GBV) by addressing men’s personal and emotional struggles.
The initiative comes in response to rising GBV and local murder incidents in areas such as eMbalenhle and eMzinoni, according to the foundation.
Its primary goal is to create safe, supportive, and non-judgmental spaces where men can speak openly, share experiences, and address personal and societal challenges under the theme ‘Leave No Man Behind’.
According to co-founder Phoseka, this theme captures the movement’s core philosophy: men supporting men. The foundation operates on the belief that no man should face life’s difficulties alone, aiming to eliminate isolation and the fear of judgment.
Phoseka said the foundation uses dialogue, peer support, and community engagement to address specific issues.
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He said the organisation focuses on men’s well-being and personal growth, emotional and mental well-being, personal responsibility and accountability, leadership and personal development, family dynamics and relationships, fatherhood, and navigating masculinity and societal expectations.
Phoseka added that socio-economic and substance abuse challenges need to be tackled seriously in the fight against GBV.
“What we also want to achieve is to encourage men to leave the old saying that men don’t cry. If men don’t cry, what is replacing those tears and what outcomes are we expecting as they also feel pain?
“Men should know that they are also human. When they feel pain, they need to cry to ease their anger, because if they don’t, their anger builds inside and they end up making a wrong decision,” said Phoseka.
Phoseka clarified that Qina Ndoda (meaning “Be strong man”) does not mean men must not cry, but encourages them to be strong so as not to be tempted into wrongdoing, but rather to face their fears.
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